**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.
Brenda
Chicago, IL
“Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they are ever praising you.”
Psalm 84:4 NIV
Erin in Euless, TX
“For God is working in me, giving me the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him.”
Philippians 2:13
Erin, this spoke deeply to me today. thanks! I’m going to use it for my July 15th verse! Encouragement to you as you memorize God’s Word!
Alicia, Ft.Wayne,IN
“I rise early; before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in Your words.” Psalm 119:147
Colossians 1:10
ESV
I write this with much excitement!I’m leaving for a mission trip to Nicaragua on Saturday. This is one of our key verses!!
So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30 HCSB
Dannel
Holtwood PA
NIV Romans 8:14, 15
Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry Abba, Father.
Angie, Hampton
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” 2 Timothy 2:24-26 NIV
Thanks Beth – These verses are a prayer answered!!!!
Kari McClain, Three Rivers, MI
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.
Col 3:12 msg
SusanD, Southern Illinois: Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope in in the Lord his God. Psalm 146:5 (NKJV)
Nicole, Blue Springs, MO
Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
Janet Amarillo
Psalm 119:57 (NET)
The LORD is my source of security. I have determined to follow Your instructions.
so sorry I’m late… much going on… new grandbaby etc.
Tammy Reidy-Grand Prairie, TX
John 3:30 “He must become greater and I must become less” NIV
Marilyn…in Mississippi
Psalm 33:12 KJV
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.”
Ginny Wilson, Ooltewah, TN
Psalm 34:17 NIV
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
Christa, Kansas City, MO: For the Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. he will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song. Zephaniah 3:17, NLT
Darcie, Bethel, CT : “We, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Cor. 3:18 NIV
Cassandra, Aldergrove, BC – When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. Proverbs 31:21 NIV
Cathy princeton, TX
2 Chronicles 20:17 NIV
You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.
Priscilla, Denton, TX. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 NIV
Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men. Ps. 107:8 NIV
Caitlin, Tulsa, OK: ” Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?” 1 Corinthians 6:19 NASB
Terry
Washington, IL
Psalm 94:22
“But the Lord is my fortress; my God is the mighty rock where I hide.”
Annabelle in Montgomery,TX:Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint.
Lisa in Montgomery, TX Psalm 34:13
NIV
keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.
Betsy, Lincoln Park
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26 ESV
Then He said to them, “Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10 NASB
Annie, Alaska
Ps 136:13-14 NIV
13 to him who divided the Red Sea [Yam Suph; that is, Sea of Reeds] asunder His love endures forever.
14 and brought Israel through the midst of it, His love endures forever.
“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey it’s evil desires.”. — Romans 6:12 (NIV)
Lauren, Senoia:
I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
Be strong and courageous.
Wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:13-14, HCSB
Whitney, Birmingham, AL.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing.” -Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)
Gina – Kingwood, Tx.
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.”
John 10:27-28 (NIV)
Karen, Orillia ON Canada
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we possess, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)
jenny
white hall, ar
so since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t.
romans 12:5-6a (msg)
“Rejoice always, pray wtihout ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV
Christy, FL – “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt…” James 1:5-6a
Megan–Kansas City, KS
Philippians 2:13 NLT
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
Sorry this is so late! :}
“Steep your life in God- reality, God initiative, God provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your every day human concerns will be met.”
Austin, TX
Beth, I am praying for you (and yours!) as you finish James and your “clock” is ticking. My siestas and I who study together are SO excited for it!
I am also praying for your new church. My family and I are also part of the launch team for a new church here in MN (Restoration Covenant Church. You truly see the hand of God work in so many ways and are blessed with opportunities for grace as well! I am thrilled for you to be a part of that experience with your family.
I am completing Psalm 23 as my memory verse:
Psalm 23:6 (NIV)
“Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
amen.
Jenny, Kansas City, MO
My heart and my flesh fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. -Psalm 73:26
I Corinthians 2:12 (NIV)
“We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.”
Shannon Roberts, White Hall, AR
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned. Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)
So very late, but clinging to this verse as a promise today!!
Sasha, Washington
“and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:3-5 NIV.
Lynda in San Antonio, TX
Before they call I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear.
Isa:65:24
Merrie, Katy “Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this” Psalm 37:5 NIV
Pat, Hayden, CO
Psalm 63 Adding to passage verses 4 & 5. “Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in your name. My sould shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.”
Jenn, Cumming, GA:
Titus 3:4-5: But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us; not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.
Blaine, Magnolia, TX
“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” Romans 11:36 NIV
Phil 4:8 Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
And in that day you will say,
“Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name.
Make known His deeds among the peoples;
Make them remember that His name is exalted.”
Isaiah 12:4 (NASB)
Cyndi, Friendswood, TX
Sue from Lawrenceville, GA
“I, (Sue S), praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.”
Daniel 4:37 NIV
Cindy, Fort Worth, TX
And without faith it is impossible to please God for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 NAS