[tminus t=”20-01-2012 19:00:00″ style=”carbonite”/]
**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.
Jana, Weldon Spring, Missouri;
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the Right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:1&2 NIV
Christine
Wichita, KS
“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”
Deuteronomy 4:9 (NIV)
Sue, Atlanta “Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to selfish gain!” Psalm 119:36 English Standard Version
Jan, Winnipeg, Manitoba “All your sons will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children’s peace.” Isaiah 54:13 (NIV)
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults,and with my song I give thanks to him.”
Psalm 28:7 (ESV)
Jen in Roanoke, VA
Nan, Coppell, TX
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30, NIV
Psalm 9:10 NIV
Jenny Pingree Grove, IL
Those who know your name trust in You, for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You.
Barb, Jacksonville,FL: I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants— but let them not turn to folly: Psalms 85:8 NIV
Lucia from Valdosta, Georgia
Joshua 1:5 (NIV)
No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
“Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul.” Psalm 141:8 (NIV)
Judy, Virginia
2 Chronicles 16:8b-9
8b Yet when you relied on the Lord, He delivered…
9 For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth
to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.
NIV
Julie
from Gadsden, AL Psalm 119:57 – “The LORD is my source of security. I have determined to follow Your instructions.” (The NET Bible)
Psalms 119:57 “You are my portion, O Lord; I have promised to obey your words.”
Central, LA
Proverbs 20:28 message
Love and Truth form a good leader.
Central, LA
Message bible Proverbs 20:28
Love and truth form a good leader.
Barby , Tulare CA
” The Lord is my source of security. I have determined to follow your instructions. Psalms 119:57NET
Prayers, please! Satan is playing havoc with me and these memory verses!
Celeste, Thompsons Station, TN:
Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10 (NLT)
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands for ever.”
Isaiah 40:8, NIV
Isaiah 41:13 (NIV) For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Cynthia, Blaine, WA
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 to stand still in terror} but to walk and make spiritual progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering or responsibility]. Hababbuk 3:19 AMP (sorry I am late, hanging on to God for all I’ve got in a hard situation!)
Debbie Portland, OR
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.
Ephesians 3:20 ESV
Vicki from Waco: BETTER LATE THAN NEVER! Psalm 91:14 “The Lord says, ‘I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.'”
Carrie, Jupiter, Fl (sorry late, son medical problems)
Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
For we which we live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
2 Corinthians 4:10-11 KJV
Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness. (1 Timothy 4:7b, NASB)
Robin, Thorndale, PA
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 3:2
So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders.
Deuteronomy 11:18
NLT
Nicole, Prairieville, LA
Sue from Forney
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfullness continues through all generations.
Psalm 100:5 (NIV)
Emily MEchanicsville, VA NIV
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13 4-5
Sorry for being late.
Kate, Overland Park, KS
Proverbs 22:8 NASB
He who sows iniquity will reap vanity, and the rod of his fury will perish.
April, CT
“Therefore, we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’ Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith.”
Hebrews 13:6-7, HCSB
Shelly, Fort Worth, TX
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV) – God made Him who had to sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
Sheryl,Rocky Mount,NC Psalm 42:5,(NASB) Why are you in despair O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence
Cameron – Richmond, VA
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 6:33 KJV
Cheryl, Austin, Tx. “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!” Psalm 31:24 ESV
Valerie, SC
“When the cares of my heart are many, Your consolations cheer my soul.” Psalm 94:19 ESV
Thanks, Linda from Blue Springs MO, I got the verse from you!
Rebecca, Dallas, TX: “For the eyes of Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9a (NIV)
Lori
Bangor, Maine
Consequently the Lord provides safety for the oppressed; He provides safety in times of trouble. Your loyal followers trust in You, for You, Lord, do not abandon those who seek Your help.
Psalm 9:9-10(NET)
Now may the God of all peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 11 Thess 3:16 NIV
Hebrews 13:8-9 ESV
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.
Mindy, Van
“But my righteous one will live by faith, and if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.” Hebrews 10:38-39
Mischia, Morganton, NC
“…for you, LORD have never forsaken those who seek you.”
Psalm 9:10b (NIV)
Jamie, Phoenix: Romans 6:2 NIV
By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV
Kaye, Stone Mountain, Ga.
Isaiah 41:13
“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
Valerie, Spring, TX – For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 NIV
Tuscaloosa, AL
Isaiah 61:4
They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. NIV
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that you can stake your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:11 NIV
Colossians 1:11-12 (NKJV)
“strengthened with all might, according to HIs glorious power, for all patience, and longsuffering with joy, giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.”
Stephanie Solomon, Morgantown, Wv
They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings and with Him will be His called, chosen, and faithful followers.
Revelation 17:14
Greenacres, FL
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 HCSB