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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.
Kathy, Delaware, OH
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You
are with me; Your rod and staff comfort me. Ps 23:4 NLT
Natalie, Omaha
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: REJOICE!Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
Di, Cowpens, SC
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:11-13 NIV
Betty, Brown City, MI 1 Cor. 2:9 No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived the things that God has prepared for those who love Him.
Linda, Longview. “Those who are careful about what they say keep themselves out of trouble.” Proverbs 21:23 NCV
Dutchess of Winterville NC
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life…” John 14:6a NIV
Ann, Prior Lake, MN
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 NIV
Linda, O’Fallon, IL
Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.
Psalm 30:5b
NIV
Marie – Justin Texas
Grace to you and peace from God our Father Lord Jesus Christ. Philemon 1:3
Vicki from San Angelo
Galatians 5:1
Patty Pierce
Searcy ar
Romans8:1-2
NIV
Therefore there is now no comdemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Chirst Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
Wanda~Eureka, MO:
The fear of the LORD teaches a woman wisdom, and humility comes before honor. Prov 15:33 NIV
Nancilea, The Woodlands, TX
“Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” James 5:11 ESV
Karen from Jefferson City,TN
For my daughter who is getting married this month.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 TNIV
And yet I will show you the most excellent way.
If I speak in human or angelic tongues, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Shelley from San Angelo
Direct my footsteps according to your word;
let no sin rule over me.
Psalm 119:133
NIV
Connie
Austin, TX
NIV Isaiah 41:13 For I am the Lord your God, Who takes hold your right hand and says to you. Do not fear I will help you
Please be praying for my sweet friend Beth whose Pet Scan just came back and shows that her cancer is back and worse.
Angie, Cincinnati
Don’t overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day. God isn’t late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change. 2 Peter 3:8-9 (The Message)
Laila, Chicago
But this is the one to whom I will look:
he who is humble and contrite in spirit
and trembles at my word.
Isaiah 66:2b, ESV
Pat, Woodstock, Al The Message Lamentations 3:29
Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions. Wait for hope to appear.
Sue – Virginia
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 NKJV
Tangila, Pearland
“Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name.”
Psa 86:11 NASB
Carolyn**Bismarck, ND
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:15-16 NIV
Anna, Tyler, Texas:
Psalm 119:114 NIV
“You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.”
ALSO POSTING FOR MY DAUGHTER:
Ella Grace, age 8, Tyler, Texas:
Psalm 119:114 NIV
“You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.”
ls, nc
‘be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!’
-psalm 37:7 esv
“Let your eyes look straight ahead.” Proverbs 4:25a NIV
Patty in Northern Virginia: “The LORD is my source of security. I have determined to follow Your instructions.” Psalm 119:57 (NET)
Pam Hamilton, OH
The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Ps 34:18 (KJV)
Beth, Ypsilanti.
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” Proverbs 16:25 (NIV)
Rebecca, Arkansas
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience
Colossians 3:12 ESV
Mildred, Mer Rouge, LA.
The Lord is my source of security, I have determined to follow your instructions. Psalms 115:57 The NET Bible
These things I have spoken to you so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be full. John 15:1 NIV
Romans 8:28 (NIV)
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.
Kelly West Richland,
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.
Proverbs 13:12 NLT
Joy, Pella. Because of this, in fact, I suffer as I do.But I am not ashamed b/cI 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. II Timothy 1:12
Christy, Summit, MS
“O LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.” Isaiah 33:2 NIV
Jennifer, Garland, TX –
But I will see Your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be satisfied with Your presence.
Ps 17:15 (Holman Christian Standard)
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.”Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)
Kim, Anchorage, Alaska. “But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.” Micah 7:7 NASB
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
Houston, TX
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NASB
Shannon, Houston, TX.
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. DO not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore me to the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Psalm 51:10-12
Anne, Simpsonville, The LORD is my source of security. I have determined to follow your instructions. Psalm 119:57 NET
Jen, Knoxville,Tn
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
Beth R
Liberty Lake WA
Romans 8:1 NIV
The same spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you.
Sharon LP MI
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Philippians 4:19-20
Oh my word. I completely forgot to enter my May verse here on the blog.
So here’s a two-fer.
Kelly, St. Paul, Minnesota (where we’ve only cracked 80 degrees twice so far this year, so your heat sounds fairly nice to me right now)
May 2011
In repentance and rest is your salvation;
in quietness and trust is your strength.
Isaiah 30:15 (NIV)
June 2011
So, chosen by God for t his new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.
Col. 3:12 (MSG)
Lindsay, Rogers, AR –
Philippians 2:4 “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” NKJ
Karen, Rochester, MN
Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek.
Psalm 27:9 NIV
Cheri, Lubbock TX
Who will not fear you, O Lord, and glorify your name, because you alone are holy?
All nations will come and worship before you for your righteous acts have been revealed.”
Revelation 15:4 NET
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Prov. 3:5-6 NIV