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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.
Shannon, Bethesda: I’m late and I’m behind… but I want to catch up… I want to do what this verse says:
“Seek the Lord and His strength; yearn for and seek His face and to be in His presence continually!” 1 Chronicles 16:11
Sabrina
Lincoln NE
Psalm 51:15
(NASB)
O Lord, open my lips that my mouth may declare your praise.
Ephesians 1:15 NAS
For this reason, I too, having heard of the Faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you, and your love for all the saints…
Shelley, Dallas Isaiah 41:13 ESV
“For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you.'”
Courtney, Chicora. “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 NET Bible
Wendy, Blacksburg, VA
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. – Isaiah 55:9 (NIV)
Jackie Versailles, KY
I wrote this in my spiral but failed to post it.
Romans 12:3 NIV
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
Ohio- “For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37 NIV
Lauren, Stephenville, TX: “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Philippians 4:5 NIV
Victoria – Michigan
Luke 12:32 So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
Psalm 34:12 Amp
What man is he who desires life and longs for many days, that he may see good?
Lino Lakes, MN
Mary Ann – Summerville, S.C.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
Psalm 23:1-2 NIV
Psalm 1:6 (NIV)
For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Darcy, Lenoir
James 1:4,5 NIV
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 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.
Darien, Lenoir
James 1:4,5 NIV
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 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.
Jae, Lenoir
James 1:4,5 NIV
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 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.
“The mystery in a nut shell is just this: Christ is in you, therefore you can look forward to sharing in God’s glory. It’s that simple.”
Colossians 1:27 The Message
Holly
Geita, Tanzania
I’ve been on vacation and running late, but I’m still here!
Psalm 126:3 “The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” -NIV
Sherree Hunsberger – Lilburn, GA
NAS 1Samuel 16:7
“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
Sherry, Hillsboro, OR ~ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 NIV
Jacksonville, FL 2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people which are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land.” KJV
Joyce, Abilene
Luke 1:37 For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment. AMP
Shawna ~ Boise, Idaho
Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:8 NIV
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisioners,
Isaiah 61:1
Melissa – Hampton, VA:
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
James 1:22 (TNIV)
Amanda, Pine Bluff, Arkansas
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! – Isaiah 26:3, NLT (I love the exclamation point.)
Question…will the celebration be at HFBC?
Yes ma’am!
Thanks!
Roberta, Fanshawe, OK
The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathways for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”
Psalm 32:8 (NLT)
Carrie, Eure, NC
But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!
John 15:7 (NLT)
Katherine, Shiremanstown, PA
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may procalim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. ~1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV)
Sahar, Gainesville, VA
And He passed in front of Moses proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness and rebellion and sin. Yet He does not leave the guilty unpunished…
Exodus 34:6&7a NIV
Lindsay, Albuquerque, NM
“I don’t care about my own life. The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me—to tell people the Good News about God’s grace.” Acts 20:24 NCV
Kelsie, 14, Albuquerque, NM
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength” Philippians 4:13 NIV
Alysa, 11, Albuquerque, NM
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” James 1:19 NIV
Back on the bandwagon again…traveling in the caravan of scripture memory inspired by my 4 1/2 yr old niece who this summer is memorizing scripture too!
Ephesians 1:4 Thanks Tammy for the first promise in her bible study Duty or Desire!
I think I almost have it with a few motions to boot!
Ellen
Colorado Springs
For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7
I am a little late posting.
Amy Johnson, Mustang Ok
NIV
Genesis 50:19-20
But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I not in the place of God?
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
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.
Romans 8:28 NIV
Maggie, Sand Springs, ok
Sorry I’m so late…
The prayer of a righteous [wo]man is powerful.
James 5:16
Traci R, Powell, Ohio
Better late than never….I’m hopping on the last post, I loved it!
“seek the Lord and His strength; yearn for and seek His face and to be in His presence continually”. 1 chronicles 16:11
Julie In Absarokee Montana
But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”
2 Chron 20:17 nlt
Macy in Absorokee Montana
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
Col 23:3 nlt
Lyndsy in Absorokee Montana
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
Col 23:3 nlt
My Scripture memory verses for June 1st
1 Timothy 1:5
The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart & a good conscience & a sincere faith.
& 15th(due to mission trip to Romania!
Matthew 6:21
Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
June 1. Grace, Decatur, Alabama
“Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done.”
Luke 22:42 ESV
April, Smyrna Georgia
Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Luke 12:32 ESV
Cindy
Columbia, MO
“Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady. Keep a firm grip on you.”
Isaiah 41:10 (The Message)
Becky, Rushsylvania OH
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10 NIV84
Cheryl, Bonney Lake, WA “The King is enthralled by your beauty.” Psalm 45:11
Cari, Huntington, WV
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Romans 12:9 NIV
“…though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again…” Proverbs 24:16a, (NIV)
Better late than never…sorry I was out of town with my family!
Donna Franklin, TN
Janice; Milford, IL
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Ps 90:12 (KJV)
Kate DeWys, Zeeland, Michigan
“I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young people, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.”
1 John 2:14 TNIV