**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.
Elizabeth, Oxford, PA
Revelation 22:1-3 NIV (1984)
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.
Hannah, Oxford, PA
Revelation 22:1-3 NIV (1984)
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.
One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek Him in His temple. (Psalm 27:4 NIV)
Angela
Lexington, KY
Kristi, Gardner, KS
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NIV)
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Barbara, North Olmsted
‘But as for me, the nearness of God is my good;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
that I may tell of all Your works.’
Psalm 73:28 NASB
Debbie, Pittsburgh, PA:
“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.”
Proverbs 3:5,6 NIV
They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. Isaiah 61:4
Psalm 3:3 (NIV): “But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.”
Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, The power and the glory, The victory and the majesty: For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours: Yours is the kingdom, O LORD and You are exalted as head over all. 1 Chron. 29:11 NKJV
Sandy, Deming, NM
And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Heb. 4:13 NKJ
Lindsey
Fuquay-Varina, NC
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'” – Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)
South Bend
” The Lord will give unyielding and impenetrable strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.”
Psalm 29:11
Amplified
Cheryl in Fairhope – “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
Jean, Carlisle PA
“As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. Do not gloat over me, my enemies ! For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. I will be patient as the Lord punishes me, for I have sinned against him. But after that, he will take up my case and give me justice for all I have suffered from my enemies. The Lord will bring me into the light, and I will see his righteousness.”
Micah 7:7-9 (New Living Translation)
Kelly Bullock
Clarksville, TN
Hab 2:3
“For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay.”
Mandy – Powder Springs, GA
Luke 10:6-7
6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Jolinda ~ Nebraska
John 16:33 (NIV)
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Pro 17:27 He who has knowledge spares his words, [And] a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. (NKJV)
See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. Isaiah 12:2
Angie & Lily (5 year old daughter), Goshen, IN, “At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality” 2 Corn. 8:14, NIV
” But God demonstrates His own love for us in this, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8 NASB
Jayne- TX
Carolyn, Charlotte, NC
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”
John 14:1-4 (NIV)
Barbara, New Orleans
“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
Conne, Angel Fire:
“Because Your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You.” Psalm 63:3 (Amplified)
Kayla
Cleveland
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8 NIV
Kayla, Love your choice of verse. What comfort it brings to the heart and mind! A short and simple verse yet mighty and powerful!
Susan, Meredith, NH: “Yet, I am confident that I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”–Ps. 27:13-14, NLT
Sorry I’m late: Lisa, Jacksonville FL
“You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.” Titus2:1
I know the Lord is always with me, I will not be shaken for he is right beside me. Psalm 6:8 NLT
Beverly, What comforting words. I am in need of remembering this verse when at times my first response is to feel “shaken”.
Barb, Kentwood MI:
“The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.” Isa 40:8 NKJV
MaryD, Charlotte
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5: 6-7 ESV
Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2 NLT
“Your beauty should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
1 Peter 3:4 NIV
Melody
Myrtle Beach, SC
Diane – Chesapeake, VA
“LORD, you are mine ! I promise to obey your words!”
Psalm 119:57 NIV
Ann, Murrells Inlet
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
James 3:17 NIV
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Pro. 31:26, ESV
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
Psalm 20:7 (ESV)
– Jen in VA
Crystal, Livonia, Michigan
“Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:11 KJV
Laura in SD – But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.
John 3:21 (NIV)
Jessica~ Jacksonville, Florida
“Before a word is on my tongue, you know it completely, O Lord.”
Psalm 139:4 NIV
Once I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the Godly forsaken nor seen their children begging for bread. Ps 37:25 NKJ
Sheila – Union City, Indiana
Psalm 1:1-2 NIV 1Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight in in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
Psalm 5:3 (NIV)
“In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. “
Melanie, Groesbeck, TX
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 NIV
Sorry I’m “late” every time, but I don’t get the email until bedtime each time…thanks!
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
I Timothy 6:6 NIV
Lisa, Granville, OH
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. You have set your glory above the heavens.
Ps. 8:1 NIV
Dinah from Baraboo, WI
“Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not relunctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Cor. 9:6-8 NIV
Holly G., Williamston SC
SSMT #14
2 Tim 2:24-26 NLT
A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
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. Gal 5:1 NIV
Melissa, Waco
Isaiah 55:8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, niether are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
NIV