**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.
Kristy, Houston
Psalm 103:5 ESV
Who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagles.
Wendy, Blacksburg, VA
1 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 prisoners,[a]
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
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.
4 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 61:1-4 NIV
Janet, North Vancouver, BC: Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke and it came to be; he commanded and it stood firm. The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Psalm 33:8-11 NIV
Andrea, Pottstown
Isaiah 32:8 NIV
But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands.
Rose, Dallas: The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Proverb 11:25. NLT
Rosalee, Oklahoma City, OK.
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” ~ Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)
Carla, Coweta And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Phil 1:6 NLT
Susan, Longmont, CO.
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37 (NIV)
Bunny from Fithian, IL:
Deuteronomy 23:5(b)HCSB
…but He turned the curse into a blessing for you because the Lord your God loves you.
Michelle, Parma Ohio
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Eph.2:10 NLT
Sheri. Bolivar MO
“I pray that out of His glorious richesbHe may strengthen you with power through His spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you being rooted and established in love, may have power together with the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,” Ephesians 3:16-18 NIV
BIllie, Scottsdale
“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)
Harleysville, PA
I lift my eyes unto the hills. Where does my help come from? Ps. 121:1
Rachel -formerly of Flagstaff, now married and in Surprise, AZ
But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. ~Micah 7:7 NIV
Debbie, Marion, IN “For He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight.” Ephesians 1:4 HCSB
AmyLu, Evansville
The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said:
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.”
Revelation 11:15 (NIV)
Christina, Longmont, CO
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works. So that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Hebrews 12: 13-14 ESV
And make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame will not be put out of joint but rather be healed.
Strive for peace with everyone and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
Hang in there Beth and Melissa! Breathe…:) xoxo
Ingrid, Frenchtown, MT
I Peter 3:4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. NLT
Naomi, Olympia, WA. He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. Ephesians 1:4 NAS
“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 NIV
Oops, forgot, Waukesha, WI
Donna, Huntersville, NC
“For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for His glory. 1 Cor 1:20, NIV
Wendy, Calgary
“I myself am convinced, my brothers & sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another.” Romans 15:14 NIV
Beth, I will see you in Charlotte, NC on July 22-23. I am praying for you. Donna
Ashley Taylor, Lawrenceville, GA
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 NIV
Eileen, Lompoc, CA
He will yet fill your mouth with laughing and your lips with rejoicing.
Job 8:21 NKJV
Laura, Burbank
Psalm 46:1 (TLB)
God is our refuge and strength, a tested help in times of trouble.
Pam Hamilton, OH
Be not deceived; God is not mocked. For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the spirit shall of the spirit reap life everlasting. Gal. 5: 7-8 (KJV)
Jamye, Greenbrier, AR
This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope, it is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning, great is thy faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:21-23
1 John 2:2 NKJV
And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins,
and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
Lisa, Mesa Arizona
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 NIV
Michelle, Spokane WA
Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
Colossians 3:14. NASB
Cherry, Conway, AR
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
Hebrews 12:1
Heather
Little Rock, AR
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT)
Teresa, Haxtun, CO
Hosea 6:3 (NLT)
Oh, that we might know the LORD! Let us press on to know Him! Then He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.
Sally. Crystal Springs, ms
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks toGod the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 (ESV)
Marcie- Frisco, TX
Isaiah 1:17 (NIV)
Learn to do right; seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
plead the case of the widow.
Psalm 18:19 NIV84
“He brought me out into a spacious place;
He rescued me because He delighted in me.”
Kim, Anchorage, Alaska. He says, “Stop your striving and recognize that I am God! I will be exalted over the nations! I will be exalted over the earth!” The Lord who commands armies is on our side! The God of Jacob is our protector! (Selah) Psalm 46:10-11 Net Bible
Rachel- Memphis, TN
“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Cor. 13:6-7
Chrissy from Lawrence, KS
” Therefore do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34
Deuteronomy 6
1NOW THIS is the instruction, the laws, and the precepts which the Lord your God commanded me to teach you, that you might do them in the land to which you go to possess it,
2That you may [reverently] fear the Lord your God, you and your son and your son’s son, and keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged.
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:2 NKJV)
Carrie, Logan. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 NIV
Pamela,Mechanicsville,VA.”Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians4:32 NIV
Kristy Dorminy, Woodstock, GA
Psalm 147:4-5 “He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them. Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite.”
Myra, Lisbon, Portugal
Psalm 46:10 NIV “Be still and know that I am God”
“Long before He laid down earth’s foundations, He had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of His love, to be made Whole & Holy by His love.”
Ephesians 1:4(The Message)
Twyla Cleveland, TN.
Amy H Oklahoma City, OK
Psalm 116:17 NLT
I will offer you a sacrifice of thanksgivign and call on the name of the Lord.