**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.
Marilyn, Fort Pierce, FL, In him we live and move and have our being. We are his offspring. Acts 17:28 NIV
Mindy – McDonough, GA
Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4 NIV
“Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders.” Deut 33:12, NIV
Jane, Milton, GA “Whatever you do , work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive and inheritance form the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Col 3:23-24 NIV
Shauna, Horn Lake
Deuteronomy 6:5 (ESV)
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.Â
Sharon-San Marcos
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Proverbs 31:27 KJV
Praying for y’all <3
Rena, Tulsa. “I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.” Psalm 34:4,5 NLT
Miranda, Fort Payne, AL
‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’ Matt 28:19 (NIV)
Donna Hill
Clarksville, TN
NIV
Proverbs 27:19
“As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.”
Sister Lynn
Tucson AZ
“No power in the sky above or in the earth below – indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:39 (NLT)
Jane – Greenwood
You thrill me Lord, with all You have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done. Ps 12:4 (NLT)
Amy, Tyler,TX
But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.
2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV
Rebecca from Birmingham, Al.
I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. Psalm 16:8-9 (NLT)
Erin, Evant-Texas
She opens her mouth with wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:26 NASB
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Mark 11:24
NIV
Durant, OK
Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be brave and strong. Your every action must be done with love.
I Corinthians 16:13-14 HSCB
Vicki, Surprise, AZ
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3 NIV
‘She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.’ ~ Proverbs 31:25(NIV)
The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you; Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
Amy aka whimzie, Florida
Galatians 5:13
New Living Translation (NLT)
13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.
Andrea Bishop, Smackover, Ar
Rejoice always!
Pray constantly.
Give thanks in everything,for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5 16-18 HCS
Martha / Albertville,AL / Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. Psalm 27:14 NLT
Eph. 1:7-8 (NIV)
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavishied on us with all wisdom and understanding.
Denise Coop, Walton, Ky
Ephesians 5:15-18
Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead be filled with the Spirit.
But be holy in all you do, just as God, the One who called you is holy.
1 Peter 1:15
Kelly, Greer, SC
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is power and effective.” -James 5:16 (NIV)
Maria – New York, NY
Psalm 3:8 (NIV1984)
From the LORD comes deliverance.
May your blessing be on your people.
Richelle, Kingston, TN. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 (NIV)
Beverly
Midlothian, VA
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God.
Psalm 90:2 ESV
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 NIV
Elisabeth
Modesto, Ca
The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). John 10:10
Praying like crazy for y’all today, Mama! Like crazy. I’m actually praying some of my
SSMT verses over you & over Amanda & Curtis & the new church journey.
My verse today is appropriate for them!:) LOVE y’all so so much!!!
Lauren, Biloxi:
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 NIV
Katrinna, Mandeville, LA: “Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” James 2:12-13 (NIV)
…and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
Romans 5:5 NRSV
Corinne in Chehalis, Washington
Kathy, Hendersonsville, TN
“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. For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:28-29 NIV
James 1:19-20 NIV “My dear brothers (sisters) take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s (woman’s) anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”
Chris,Louisville, KY
He who would love life
And see good days,
Let him refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips from speaking deceit.
I Peter 3:10 NKJV
He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Proverbs 17:27 NKJV
Rebecca, Pineville, LA
I’m sending two because I was on vacation for the last one!
Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. Psalm 43:4a (NIV)
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
1 Peter 1:18-19 (NIV)
Sara Springfield Mo
Psalm 119:10-11
I seek you with all my heart, do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I may not sin against you.
Chris
Canton, NC
“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
Julie
Clanton, AL
2 Corinthians 1:21&22 – “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” NIV
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. (1 Peter 5:6-10, NIV)
Stacyjo
Spokane, WA
Nehemiah 9:6 NIV
You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship You.
Poorna, Indianapolis: “The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.” -Habakkuk 3:19 (NIV)
Cara, Valley Head, AL
Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Mat 11:28 NASB
Colleen, Mae Sot, Thailand
My heart is not proud, O Lord, my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
But I have stilled and quieted my soul;
like a weaned child with its mother,
like a weaned child is my soul within me. Psalm 131: 1-2 NIV
Karessa, Peoria, IL: The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:18 NIV
Laura from Canton MI
I’m using part of Beth’s verse this week. It really struck me.
2 Timothy 2:24 .and the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to EVERYONE, able to teach not resentful. NIV
James 1:26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. (NIV)