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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.
Jennifer, Madison,OH
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Col. 3:2 NIV
Lee, Leola, PA
I tell you my friends, don’t be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after the killing of the body, has the power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him.
Luke 12:4-5
Cathy, Tyler, TX I’m late, but I’m persevering anyway. NIV I Peter 1:25 “but the word of the Lord endures forever”
Jennifer, Dallas, TX
So I reflected on all this and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God’s hands, but no one knows whether love or hate awaits them.
Ecclesiastes 9:1-3
NIV
Susan, Barrie, On, Canada
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV
Gena
Elgin, Texas
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather in humility value others above yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 NIV
Kristi, Elba, AL: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Cor 3:17 (NIV)
Billie, Greenville,KY “There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.”. 1 Samuel 2:2 NIV
Amy – Decatur, Alabama (former Gallipolis, OH) –
Sorry this is so late. We moved over the weekend and I’m just now getting to the internet.
“Therefore I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7 NKJV
Sheree, Phoenix, AZ
“The Lord is my source of security. I have deermined to follow your instructions.” NET Psalm 119:57
Ronda, Kingman AZ
God is magnificent; He can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to His greatness. Psalm 145:3
I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am.
Philippians 4:11 Amplified
Lisa, Olympia, WA
“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)
Lynn, Lubbock. “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has born? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.”
Isaiah 49:15-16 (NIV)
Awilda, College Station, TX
Colossians 1:21 (NIV, 1984)
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.
So I say, walk by the spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Gal 5:16
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19 NIV
Lynette Alton, IL
I will fully satisfy the needs of those who are weary and fully refresh the souls of those who are faint.
Jeremiah 31:25 NET
Julie, Goodyear. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 NIV
Odessa, Tx
‘But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain.’ 1 Corinthians 15:10a ESV
Emily, Elk Grove, CA
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (ESV)
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
Hebrews 4:16
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.
“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
Kristin, Carlsbad, CA. Be joyful always; pray continually I Thess. 5:16-17 (NIV)
Elisabeth
Modesto, Ca
“The word of God is flawless. He is a shield to all who run to Him.”
Proverbs 30:5
Robin, Whidbey Island
(For) Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrightesous, to bring you to God.
1 Peter 3:18a
Amy, Tyler: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Been on a much needed vacation in TN – just got home. Hope its not too late for my scripture verse for June 1.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.”
Linda, Holts Summit, MO
Psalm 63:7-8 ESV
For You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.
Rebecca, Durham: “For the Lord comforts Zion; he comforts all her waste places and makes her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song.” Is 51:3 (ESV)
Victoria
Conway AR
Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word.
Hebrews 10:23 MSG
Philippians 2:3
New Living Translation (NLT)
3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.
Miranda
Colorado Springs, CO (last one from here… next one from Bellevue,NE) 🙁
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
Jennifer, Otisville, MI
I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. NIV Pslam 119:57
Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. John 16.24 NIV
The Lord God is my strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army, He makes
my feet like hinds feet and will make me to walk (not stand still in terror, but to walk) and make (spiritual) progress upon my high places (of trouble, suffering or responsibility).
Habakkuk 3:19 Amp
Kathy
Lynden, Wa
Jessica
Westminster, MD
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, – Eph. 1:3, ESV
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
I Corin. 1:18 NIV
Marcia, Salem, IN
Andrea, Houston, TX
Acts 1:8a NIV
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses….
Lisa, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.
James 5:17, The Message
Kels Redding, CA Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light.” (GNT)
Julie Waco
I know I’m 2 days late (again)…Life is crazy & busy right now! Just trying to keep my head above water! 🙂
“I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 NIV
Annie, Alabama
I desire to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.
Psalm 40:8 (NIV)
Amy, St Louis, MO
Psalm 119:57 – “The LORD is my source of security. I have determined to follow Your instructions.” (The NET Bible)
Ashley
Lawrenceville, GA
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1 – 2 NIV
“For Freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 ESV
Candace Colorado Springs, CO
Let the peace of Christ be in control in your heart (for you were in fact called as one body to this peace), and be thankful. Col 3:15 The NET Bible
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Col. 3:2 NIV
Salina, Hindman Ky Psalm 119:57 – “The LORD is my source of security. I have determined to follow Your instructions.” (NET Bible)
Emily, McKenzie TN
No, in all things wer are more tha conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37 (NIV)