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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.
Ann from Sugar Land, TX
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so htat you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
Tammy, Lexington, NC
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. I John 4:4 NKJV
NKJV
Ephesians 2:10
For we are HIS workmanship, created in Jesus Christ for good works, which God prepared before hand that we should walk in them.
Psalms 50:15
Call upon me in the day of trouble, I will deliver thee and though shalt glorify me.
Lynn, Springfield, MO – Proverbs 4:20-22 (msg)
Dear friend, listen well to my words; tune your ears to my voice. Keep my message in plain view at all times. Concentrate! Learn it by heart! Those who discover these words live, really live; body and soul, they’re bursting with health.
Teresa, Cincinnati, Ohio
“But the people who know their God
shall prove themselves strong and
shall stand firm and do exploits for God.”
Amplified Bible
Oh, pooh! I forgot the reference for where my verse is from in the Bible, AND the name is supposed to be Hisgirlinatreehouse. The reference was Daniel 11:31b.
Late and messed up! Well, at least I’m doing it!
You’re doing a great job, Sister! Don’t be so hard on yourself! You are so loved.
I messed up on my other emails and I don’t know if they even went through, so let me just start over!
Teresa, Cincinnati, Ohio
“But the people who know their God
shall prove themselves strong and
shall stand firm and do exploits for God.”
Daniel 11:31b Amplified Bible
Nesha: Mechanicsville, VA
‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’
Psalm 46:10 NIV
Want to learn the ‘b’ part of that scripture.
Judy~ Fuquay Varina, NC
Philipians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. NIV
Tracie, Taylorville, IL
The LORD is my source of security. I have determined to follow your instructions.
Ps. 119:57 [NET]
Sorry I’m so late. I’ve been on vacation!
Heather, Leawood, Kansas. “Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.” Isaiah 40:4 (NIV).
Tammy, Paducah, You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12
Tammy, Hendersonville, TN For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 NIV
Colossians 3:13 “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (NIV)
Rene, Overland Park, KS
“For it is God who works in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Phil 2:13 ESV
Patti, Roxboro NC
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NAS
Dana, Pace, FL
I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me
what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king.
Daniel 2:23 NIV
Nancy, Morehead
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Phil 4:13 (New King James Version)
Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.
Psalm 28:9
Stephanie
Pawleys Island, SC
Melissa
Rancho Cordova, California
“but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.” Daniel 11:32b
Marty ~ Mobile, AL
These things I remember as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng. Psalm 42:4
Brandy- Prattville, AL. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
Cindy, Clarksville, TN…For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.NKJ (sorry so late didn’t have internet:)
Chris, Sugar Land, TX
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture” Psalm 100: 1-3 (NIV)
lindsay, medford, nj: “the heavens proclaim the glory of god. the skies display his craftmanship.” psalm 19:1 nlt
Kelley, Russellville
And when he was at the place, he said unto them, “Pray that you enter not into temptation.” Luke 22v40 KJV.
Joni, Littleton CO
“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” Jeremiah 32:17 NIV
Wheaton, IL
Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor. Proverbs 21:21 NLT
Leslie
Alpharetta, GA
Psalm 34:18 NET Bible
“The Lord is near the brokenhearted. He delivers those who are discouraged.”
Christi-Clinton,Utah
“She will have no fear of bad news; her heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” (NIV)
By Faith we understand that the universe was formed at Gods command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
Hebrews 11:3
Dana, Hoover, Alabama
2 Kings 20:5
I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears, surely I will heal you.
You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.
Psalm 119:114 NKJV
Cindi, Orange, TX.
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare
Proverbs 15:1
Erin, Albertville, AL
“The Lord gives his people strength; the Lord grants his people security” Psalm 29:11 NET
Ada
Rochester, MI
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;
Colossians 3:12 NASB
Elizabeth
Rochester, MI
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;
Colossians 3:12 NASB
1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV
However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”–
Margo, Laramie, WY
Who is who appears like the dawn, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, majestic as the stars in procession?
Song of Solomon 6:10 NIV
I John 3:11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning,that we should love one another. KJV
Mitzi
Kannapolis
The LORD is my source of security.
I have determined to follow Your instructions.
Psalm 119:57 NET
Marilyn, Florence, AL
“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” Jeremiah 32:17 NIV
Cindy
Spokane, WA
“that according to the riches of His glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through His spirit in your inner being.” Ephesians 3:16 ESV
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” Ephesians 3:20-21
sorry so late…I am not giving up!
LuAnn Barton, Port Huron, MI
Psalms 86:4 Rejoice the soul of Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
Leanne, Georgetown TN
James 1:5-6
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”
Diane, Lumpkin, GA
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Dinah from Baraboo, WI:
“Everything is permissible for me – but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me – but I will not be mastered by anything.
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body.” 1 Cr. 6:12, 19-20 NIV
Tami
Platte, South Dakota
2 Timothy 1:7 KJV
“For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”