**Siesta Celebration is January 20-21, 2012**
Hey, you Scripture memory freaks!
Your mama needs a hall pass in the worst way for a while regarding lengths of posts. We are now only about 6 weeks from the LifeWay deadline for all things James. To say that Melissa and I are under the gun is an understatement and, of course, so are all our friends on the publishing side. It’s stressful for everyone concerned this close to rolling the press. You will not waste a prayer on us, or on any member of our family, for that matter. Amanda and Curtis are finding out what kind of warfare you sign up for when you determine to get out there where the wind of the Spirit is blowing and dare to fulfill your calling. It’s hard to watch your children go through it. I tell them all the time (and they don’t need convincing) that enduring is so worth it but, man oh man, as many of you know, the fire is hot. And it’s often very personal, don’t you think? Satan goes for the psychological jugular.
I have had a great – almost life-stopping – time poring over James for well over the last year and I will miss the process so much. I love the intensity an in-depth journey demands and I genuinely fight a wave of depression when it’s over. (I’ll ask for your prayers about that at the time.) But, the fact is, push is about to come to shove. I no longer have the luxury of taking all the time I want. This baby is almost due. Thank you for any spare prayers! I am not in a bad way or in a contentious state. I’m just wide-eyed and aware that a very loud clock is ticking. So is my baby girl. I know some of you must be getting so tired of hearing about it! Stand with me a little longer, in hopes that Jesus may be glorified.
In my memory work, I’m still choosing verses out of 2 Timothy. I couldn’t split these four verses up without shortchanging the context so I’m posting the whole segment.
Beth, Houston. “And the Lord’s slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance and then knowledge of the truth and they will come to their senses and escape the devil’s trap where they are held captive to do his will.” 2 Timothy 2:24-26 The NET Bible
This portion of Scripture and others like it seem altogether ignored or dismissed in a culture where believers stay embroiled in one heated dispute after another. Scripture tells us how to differ without ripping the fabric of our common faith to shreds. In the segment above, the Apostle Paul uses words like kindness and gentleness. When we tend to think that carnality is the only kind of sin that can keep the church from revival, we’re overlooking the steady stream of commands in the New Testament about how to treat one another. Disunity can shipwreck the whole lot of us right there on the shore of disgrace. We can even be right and fall into the chastisement of God because our hearts were wrong. May God forgive us, heal us, and help us.
OK, Sisters. Let’s hear your 13th verses. While you’re at it, remember that what we’re doing here is IMPORTANT! We’ve got to protect these minds of ours! That’s where our battles are won or lost. You will never waste a single moment rolling God’s Word around in your sweet head. Your health will be the better for it. Your marriage will be the better for it. Your job will be the better for it. Your relationships will be the better for it. Your obedience will be the better for it. Your calling will be the better for it. YOU will be the better for it.
Me, too.
I’m crazy about you. Keep your eyes to the skies.
Melissa, Hampton, VA:
“The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”
Isaiah 58:11 (NIV)
Marti, Loganville, ga
” The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10 NKJV
Nikki in Richmond, VA
“Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10 (NIV)
Mandy from Mt.Vernon,Tx. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:15-16 niv
Jill, League City, TX
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Galatians 6:9-10(ESV)
Emmy- Rome, GA
“Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?” Job 40:1-2
Connie Windham, Trout, LA
Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing the soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s spirit. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Natalie, Indialantic FL: John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (NASB)
Kathy – Aurora, CO
Psalm 119:165 NASB
Those who love Your law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble.
Lora, Florissant CO, “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” Col 3:2, NIV
Sue in Grand Rapids, MI
This God — His way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him. Psalm 18:30 ESV
Ann, Fez (Morocco)
1 Cor 1:25 NIV
For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
Cathleen, Saskatoon, SK Canada
“For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.” 1 John 3 vs 20 The Message
Rebecca, Kilgore, TX
“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ has made me His own.”
Phil. 3:12, ESV
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 NIV
Adrienne, Clarksville, TN
“Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.”
Galatians 5:25-26 (NLT)
Lisa Waipahu, HI 1 Thessalonians 2:13a thank God without ceasing NKJV
Lisa McGriff, Dothan, Alabama
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5 NIV
Mariposa Sivage – Albuquerque, New Mexico
A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but perversion in it crushes the spirit. Prov. 15:4 NASB
Bath, PA
Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant qcontroversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And rthe Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
2 Timothy 2:23-26, ESV
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand …
Isaiah 41:10
Anne – Johnson City, TN
Ps. 103:17 (ESV)
But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children.
Lynn, Pflugerville,Tx
“Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times.” Romans 12:12 CEV
Jackie
Cypress, TX
“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.” Phillipians 4:6-7 NIV
Suzy, Wheelersburg,OH, ” Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” NIV
Don’t worry about anything, instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Philippians 4:6 NLT
Sue, Earlysville, Va
Beth, Dyersburg,TN
And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, she must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose her she must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
2Timothy 2:24-26 NIV
NIV Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Kyndra, Houston, TX “And my God will meet all my needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippinas 4:19
Denise – Asheville, NC
Psalm 139:2 (NIV)
“You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar.”
Tracy, Edgewood.
The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you. ~Deuteronomy 33:27a (NLT)
Carrie, Jupiter, FL
Deuteronomy 4:9
Only take heed to thyself and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons;
Deuteronomy 6:5
And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. KJV
Sherry
Indianapolis
I Peter 3:8,9 NIV
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” James 1:19-20(NIV)
Kathy
St.Louis, MO
Bridget Portland, TX
“Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” Psalms 37:5 (NKJV)
LaTava, Lincoln
If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13 NIV
Karen, Lynnwood, WA – “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 (NIV)
Sarah, Cleveland
“God will fight the battle for you.
And you? You keep your mouths shut!”
Exodus 14:14 The Message
Shirley Barry, Mooresville, NC
Psalm 73:26 (NIV)
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Shelli, Fort Worth: “… For you yourself have taught me.” Psalm 119:102 NIV
Dena’ Davis, Hindman, Ky ” Therefore let us stop passing judgement on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.” Romans 14:13 NIV
Charlotte
Philadelphia MS
Christina – Edgewood, Kentucky
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 NIV
Karin, Kingsburg Psalms 63:1-4 NIV “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.”
Kathy, Grand Ledge, MI Colossians 3:1-2 NASB
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (2)Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
Charlotte
Philadelphia MS
23) “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts
24) Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
Psalm 139:23-24
NLT
Faith, Safford, AZ. ” They will willfully put God to the test by demanding the food they crave.”
Psalm 78:18 (NIV)
OH!! Siesta Mama, this was my verse for #12. I love it! Here’s mine for July 1
Rachel
Fullerton, CA
“We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.” ~ Psalm 78:4 (ESV)
DLynn; Amarillo
2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Joy – Asheboro, NC
“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?”
Luke 9:23-25, NIV