**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. Itās 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. Itās hard to watch your children go through it. I tell them all the time (and they donāt need convincing) that enduring is so worth it but, man oh man, as many of you know, the fire is hot. And itās often very personal, donāt you think? Satan goes for the psychological jugular.
I have had a great ā almost life-stopping ā 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 itās over.Ā (Iāll 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. Iām 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, Iām still choosing verses out of 2 Timothy. I couldnāt split these four verses up without shortchanging the context so Iām posting the whole segment.
Beth, Houston. āAnd the Lordās 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 devilās trap where they are held captive to do his will.ā 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, weāre 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. Letās hear your 13th verses. While youāre at it, remember that what weāre doing here is IMPORTANT! Weāve got to protect these minds of ours! Thatās where our battles are won or lost. You will never waste a single moment rolling Godās 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.
Iām crazy about you. Keep your eyes to the skies.
“A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.”
Proverbs 19:11 NIV
Kim, Advance,NC ” And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” ~ Colossians 3:15 KJV
Valerie, Yuma
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15, NIV
Abilene
John 15:5 NIV
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Deut. 4:39 (NASB)
“Know therefore today, and take it to your heart, that the LORD, He is God in heaven above and on the earth below; there is no other.”
Lacie
Chesapeake, VA
Karen, Caledonia, OH
2 Timothy 2:20,21 In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste cans and compost buckets–some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage. Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing. The Message
Aliza, NZL. Be strong, courageous and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6 (AMP)
In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. Proverbs 3:6(NIV)
Mildred, Fayetteville, AR “Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God.”
Romans 14:20 (NIV)
Becky, Biloxi. “Listen to Me . . . all who have been upheld by Me from birth. Who have been carried from the womb. Even to your old age, I am He. And even to gray hairs I will carry you. . .”
Amy, Clovis, Ca
so humble yourselves before god. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come close to God and God will come close to you. Wash your hand, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
James 4:7-8 NLT
Lisa, Mauldin, SC, “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 (New American Standard)
…the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out. John 10:3
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.”
Hebrews 4:14 NIV
Ascribe to the Lord, O mighty ones;
Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His Name;
Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness.
Psalm 29:1-2 (NIV)
Karen
Ponte Vedra, Florida
Rochelle, Louisville,KY
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. (Psalm 1:5 KJV)
Michelle, Seattle-Proverbs 10:19 NASB: “When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.”
Yvonne
Louisville, KY
Psalm 62:1 (NIV)
My soul finds rest in God alone; my slavation comes from Him.
Sadie
Nicholasville, KY
1 John 1:9 (HCSB)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful & righetous to forgive our sins & to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Kristi Rogersville TN
Colossians 4: 17 Holman
Tell Archipus pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord
so you can accomplish it
Judy, Norfolk
Thereore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus, the son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.
Hebrews 4:14 NIV
Penney
Caribou, Maine
The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.
Proverbs 16:9 ESV
Cindy – Lexington, NC
2 Timothy 3:22 NLT
Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 NIV
Jeanne: Honolulu,HI
2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.
Sandy K. Maryland, Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Heb. 11:1 KJV
Carla
Iowa
hcsb
Psalm 84:10
Better a day in your courts than a thousand anywhere else. I would rather be at the door of the house of my God than to live in the tents of wicked people.
Julia, Glendora, CA. “The steadfast of mind Thou wilt keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in Thee. Trust in the LORD forever, for in God the LORD we have an everlasting Rock.” Isaiah 26:3-4 NASB.
Dragging in here after sick hubby and son…but here goes…
Julie, Wentzville, MO ~
“And they sang a new song: āYou are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” ~ Rev. 5:9
Marsha, Lexington Park MD
Because Thy lovingkindness is better than life.
My lips will praise Thee.
Psalm 63:3 NAS
Denise, Davis, “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverence the race marked out for us”-Hebrews 12:1 NIV
Kaitlyn, from Gainesville, FL
“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
Stephanie, Lititz, PA “It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. Ephesians 1:11-12 (The Message)
Jane – Effingham, IL
Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are His. Daniel 2:20 NIV
Melody, Ocean Springs, 1 John 4:19 (NIV)
We love because he first loved us.
Kathryn Champion – Atmore, AL – “God doesn’t want us to be shy with His gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.” II Timothy 1:7 (The Message)
Julie, Springfield MO
Pro 15:15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast. (RSV)
I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see Him with my own eyes–I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!
Job 19: 25-27 NIV
Missouri City, TX
matthew 13:13 nlt
Then he added, āNow go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: āI want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.ā[e] For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.ā
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.
14 Do everything in love.
Jenn, Katy, TX
“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
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. Ā He freed me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; Ā no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; Ā he saved me from all my troubles.
Psalm 34:4-6
Tangila, Pearland
“Looking at them, Jesus said, ‘With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.'”
Mar 10:27 NASB
Beth, Oklahoma City
Ephesians 2:10 NIV – For we are Godās workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Susan \ Maple Grove, MN
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30 (NIV)
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Romans 5:1
Beth and Tori, Waco, Texas
“If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.”
Isaiah 7:9 NIV
Angie Pairan, Loveland OH
Jeremiah 29:11 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.
Elysa, Raleigh
“Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits ā who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagleās.” Psalm 103:1-5, NIV
Rhonda, Bolivar MO.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands. Write them on the door frames of hour houses.
Deut. 6:5-9 NIV
Melanie, Sweetwater TN
Psalm 30:3 NIV “Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.”