**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.
Pamela Hendersonville, NC Habakkuk 3:18-Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. KJV
Kathy, Corinth, TX
For I am confident of this very thing,
that He who began a good work in you
will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6 NASB
Karen, Clarksville “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8 NIV
Dana, Blue Ridge, Tx
…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…
Isaiah 43:1-3 NIV
Emily, Ida Grove, IA-Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! (Hebrews 13:2 NLT)
Stephanie
Mount Carmel, TN
“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
Melody, Crystal Springs
Colos 3:17 NIV–trying to do it from memory so i might goof it a bit. Oh, Melody, whatever you do, whether it is your word or your deed, do all to the glory of God, giving thanks to God the Father!
Laurie New Hope, VA
Now go: I will help you speak and I will teach you what to say. Exodus 4:12 NIV 1984
Megan, Maple Valley
“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
Amanda W, Kelowna, BC, Canada
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”
1 Timothy 6:6-8 NIV
Sarah, New Palestine, Indiana
“Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did”. 1 John 2:6 (NIV)
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:ll (NIV)
Marilyn – Seattle
Joshua 1:8
“Keep this Book of Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
(NIV)
Mary, Alabama
Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me.” Ps 50:15 NASB
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. I Ptr. 1:13 NIV
Valerie, SC
Michele, Weber City, VA
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.
Psalm 40:3
Paula ~ Lake Charles
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
Jennifer, Huntsville: This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. – Psalm 118:24, New Living Translation
Martha – Florida
“We hope for what we do not have yet. So we are patient as we wait for it.” Romans 8:25 NIrV
Stacie- Cyvadier, Haiti
Exodus 14:14
“You only need to remain calm; the Lord will fight for you.”
Chris Floyd
Kokomo, IN
Deuteronomy 4:9 (NIV)
Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
Janice; Arcanum OH
And He said to them, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” And they immediately left the nets and followed Him.
Matthew 4:19
NASB
Linda, Longview: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”
Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Andrea Overland Park, KS
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”
Colossians 3:23 NIV
Nancy-Yonges Island, SC
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3 NIV
Cheri, Lubbock TX
Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s spirit lives in you?
! Corinthians 3:16 (NET)
Betty, Austin, Texas No eye has seen , no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. I corinthians 2:9 NIV
Rita – Alva, Florida
II Timothy 2:15
“Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved, a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing the Word of Truth.”
Amplified Bible
Decatur, Alabama: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17 ESV
Susan, Bradenton, FL
The command we have from Christ is blunt: loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both.
1 John 4:21 The Msg.
Austin, Tx
“The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1 (NIV)
Love and truth form a good leader. Sound leadership is founded on loving integrity.
Prov 20:28 Message
Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.
Rom.12:11-12 NAB
“For those who are led by the spirit of God are the children of God.” Romans 8:14
Beverly Elliott Ohio Jeremiah 29:13 “you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart”
Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Allison A. Johnson City, TN;
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” I Peter 4:8 NIV
Tara N., Stevensville, MD
” Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” Deuteronomy 5:9 NIv
James 1:4(NIV)
4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Boni, Manassas, VA; 2 Cor. 12:9 (NIV) “But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.
2 Chronicles 15:7
L Diane, Indianapolis
Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1 NIV
Lori, Pelham, NH “For Thou hast possessed my inward parts; thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.” PS 139:13 KJV
Erin, Arab, AL.
“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
I have missed a couple of verses because I have been in Africa on my very first Mission trip. Praise be to the Lord for using me. Thank you so much Jesus! I hope I can come back in and finish up the year with everyone! We planted and watered and God gave the increase with over 300 who accepted Christ!!!!!!
Psalms 4:8 NIV
In peace I will lie down and sleep for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Carrie–Piqua, OH
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalms 121:2 NIV
Marian
Blackshear, GA
If you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
Proverbs 2:3-5 NIV
Kristi Conway, Arkansas and provide for those who grieve in Zion- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:3 (NIV)
Kathleen, Ashland
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” James 1:19-20 NIV
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV