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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.
Diana from Hawkins, TX (as of Tuesday will be Nacogdoches, TX)
Daniel 2:20-21 (NKJV)
“Daniel answered and said:
‘Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
For wisdom and might are His.
And He changes the times and the seasons;
He removes kings and raises up kings;
He gives wisdom to the wise
And knowledge to those who have understanding.'”
(Memorizing this as part of “Daniel” Bible Study. It’s HIGHLY recommended. Awesome stuff.)
Emily, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to
the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.
2 Sam 22:21, NIV
I just want to keep my hands clean!
“See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:24
, Oregon
Phil 3:10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering, being conformed to His death.
Charity
Cardiff, Wales
“Praise the Lord…we escaped like a bird from a hunter’s trap. The trap is broken and we are free.” Psalm 124:7 NLT
Janet, North Vancouver, BC: The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Exodus 34:6-7a NIV
‘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 4:6-7 NIV
Sara, Greenville, SC – “The LORD strengthens and protects me; I trust in him with all my heart. I am rescued and my heart is full of joy; I will sing to him in gratitude.” Psalm 28:7 (NET)
Kristin – Tyler, TX
“Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it.”
Colossians 4:17 HCSB
1 Timothy 6:6 NLT
Yet true godliness with contentment, is itself great wealth.
“You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.” James 5:8, NASB
Psalm 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Kathy – Anahuac
Deuteronomy 6:5 (NIV)
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Loving the scriptures and working to hide them in my heart. I’m new to this blog because I just learned about it when Beth was in Arkansas recently so I’m not sure what the SSMT Celebration is. Can someone tell me details? Where, when, what is it?? Thanks!
Hey Charlotte, The SSMT Celebration is January 20-21, 2012 here in Houston. More information is coming!
Better late than never?
Robin, Landing, NJ
“Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.”
Psalm 43:14 KJV
Brigette Brock
Morhead, KY
When tempted no one should say “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone;
James 1:13 NIV
Linda, Carolina Beach, NC
“”Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord not for men, Since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Colossians 3:23-24
Romans 12:12 NASB
rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer
Matthew 11:29, NIV
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul.”
Marlys, Hillsboro
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 NIV
Nikky, Sweeny, TX
..so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge,that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3-17-19 ESV
Carla, Houston, Tx.
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge and if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 1 Cor. 13:2 (NIV)
Melissa, Proctorville: “from the first day that yous et yoru heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.” Daniel 10:12 NKJV
Karis Hiebert
Niverville, Manitoba, Canada
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3:12-14 NIV
Tiffany, Chesterfield:
“Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12, AMP
Liz, Edmond,OK; …”for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10b NIV
Anita – Lynchburg, VA
Joshua 1:8 KJV ” This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
Just as it is not good for man to eat too much honey, it is not good for man to think of all the honors he deserves.
Proverbs 25:27 NLT (I must have an older printing b/c bible gateway is not quoting that like my bible does)
Cassandra – Raleigh, NC
Joshua 1:8 KJV “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
A little late in posting…
Jen Griffin
JAcksonville, Fl
” Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. ”
1 Tim 4:12 (For my daughters)
Judy – Cottageville, WV
Joshua 1:8 KJV ” This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
Teresa, Amarillo
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21, NLT
Angie, Hampton, TN
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To God be the glory! Amen.
Romans 11:36 NIV
Alison-Richmond, VA
…and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fulless of God. Ephesians 3: 19 (NIV)
Gail, Ellensburg, WA
Psalm 26:8,12
8 LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.
11b Redeem me, and be merciful unto me.
12 My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the LORD.
Rachael, South Riding
“My purpose in writing is simply this: that you who believe in God’s Son will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion. And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening. And if we’re confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours.”
1 John 5:13-15
The Message
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.
Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Julie, Winterville, NC
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27, NIV
Rom. 13:8 KJV – “Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.”
Kelly
Marina, CA
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
1 John 4:18 NIV
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.– Corinthians 13:7-8
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight…Philippians 1:9
Cindy, Prairieville, God is not human, that He should lie, not a human being, that he should change His mind, Does He speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? Numbers 23:19 NIV
Amy, North Texas
Sorry so late the party…can’t quit now! 🙂
“Come unto me, all ye that labor & are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matt. 11.28 KJV
Erin, Little Rock
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”
Proverbs 16:3 NIV
Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.
Proverbs 21:21 NLT
Jill in Palm Coast,FL
Jan – Clarkston, MI
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
Isaiah 12:2 (NIV)
Waylene, Loma Linda–Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel. Zechariah 3:3 KJV
and for June 15,
And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.
Zechariah 3:4 (KJV)
Amy W., Columbia, SC – “…yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this.” Esther 4:14 (NKJV)