**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.
This has been the most difficult year to date that I can remember. I am struggling to hold on, but haven’t let go quite yet.
This time around, my verse is:
Is. 43:2-3a (NLT)
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Oh, God, that it would be so.
Peggy Yorktown, VA Eph 1:18
So that with the eyes of your heart enlightened you may know what is the hope to which he has called you; what are the riches of his glorious inheritance amoung the saints. NRSV
Letha. Mtn. Home, AR. “They will make war against the Lam, but the Lamb will overcome them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with Him will be His called, chosen, and faithful followers.” Rev. 17:14 NIV
Christy, from Lancaster PA:
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.ā
Colossians 3:15 KJV
Psalms 90:1
Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.
Roxanne M., Greenwood, LA, 1 Peter 3:15-17, KJV:
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God so be, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.”
Nichole from Nashville, TN
Colossians 3:12(NIV)
“Therefore, as Godās chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Barb, Des Moines, IA
You hem me in–behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me. Psalm 139:5(NIV)
Jewel in Denver, PA
Galatians 5:1 (NKJV)
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
No excuse for my tardiness, this time around. š
donna mt. pleasant nc
Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.
I Thessalonians 5:11 NASB
Linda, Bartlesville,OK Follow God’s example in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Ephesians 5:1 NLT
Linda, Sonora, Kentucky
“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul.” ~Mark 8:36 (NIV)
(*couldn’t get this posted earlier, browser kept timing out)
Ephesians 5:21
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. NIV
Amy, Moncks Corner, SC. “Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore He exalts Himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him.” Isaiah 30:18, esv
Kelly in Bham, AL
John 15:5 NIV
āI 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.
Rhonda, Townsend, TN. “Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore He exalts Himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him.” Isaiah 30:18, esv
Perserverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not laking anything. James 1:4 N.I.V.
from Brandon, MS
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9, ESV
Kate from Cheney, WA
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light”.
I Peter 2:9, NIV
Tanya, Warren, PA (NIV)
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in Spirit.”
Psalm 34:17-18
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faithāand this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)
Sheila Clark, Austin, TX
Patti Rae, Saskatchewan, Canada
“Do not be deceived: God can not be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Galatians 6:7-8 NIV
Melissa, Lino Lakes ~ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Barbara, Warner Robins, GA
Psalm 64:10 NCV
Good people will be happy in the Lord and will find protection in him. Let everyone who is honest praise the Lord.
Ps. 81:13
O that my people would listen to me. That they would walk in my ways.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and ALL that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all inquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems you from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle. Psalms 103:1-5 NASB
Cathy from Loxahatchee, FL
Titus 3:5 NLT
He saved us, not because of the righteous things we have done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.
Carla, Pierre, SD
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. Lamentations 3:22 NIV
Heather, Dadeville “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30 NIV
Harriett,St. Albert, Alberta
When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions. Wait for hope to appear. Lam 3:28-30
Laura, Denver, NC
2 Timothy 2:24-26 The NET Bible
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
A very timely verse for me to meditate on. Thanks, Beth.
Matthew 6:11
‘Give us this day our daily bread.
Port St. Joe, FL
For the LORD will not abandon His people,
Nor will He forsake His inheritance.
Psalm 94:14 NASB
Phyllis, Thunder Bay, ON. Canada
Psalm 117:1&2 NKJV
Praise the LORD, all you Gentiles!
Laud Him, all you peoples!
For His merciful kindness is great
toward us,
And the truth of the LORD endures
forever.
Praise the LORD!
sorry I’m late, was out of town.
Linda, Blue Springs, MO:
“For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:3 NASB
Eposi
Houston,TX
“You have multiplied, O LORD my God, Your wondrous deeds and Your thoughts toward us; none can compare with You! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.”
Psalm 40:5 (ESV)
Leah Hayes, Taylors SC Jas 2:2-4 NET For if someone comes into your assembly wearing a gold ring and fine clothing, and a poor person enters in filthy clothes,
do you pay attention to the one who is finely dressed and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and to the poor person, “You stand over there,” or “Sit on the floor”?
If so, have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil motives?
Nancy, Kiwoko. He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8 ESV
Robyn, Wichita: “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV
Sorry so late! We moved to the country and just got the computer up and running! Bless you all Beth!
Lisa, Lynnwood, WA
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Cor. 10:31 (NIV)
Jamie, Fort Worth, TX
II Timothy 2:22
“Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. NIV
All things work together for the good of those that love the Lord and are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV
Jennifer; Houston, TX: O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. Psalm 139:1-2
Becky
Choctaw, OK
Phil 2:9-10
“Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name above every name, that at the name above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Lynchburg, VA
Luke 12:24 (English Standard Version)
Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!
Rock Hill, SC
“For I am unashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
Romans 1:16 NIV
“If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm.” Psalm 37:23
Cheryl, Vancouver, BC. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 NIV
Stephanie, Elkins, WV: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
Lewisville, TX
“Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. You hem me inābehind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.” Psalm 139:4-5 (NIV)