**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.
Kathy
Shattuck OK
Continuing Ephesians 1:3-14 (NIV)
Verse 12 “in order that we who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.”
Lauren, Boston, MA: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Luke 10:1-2, NIV
Pam, Tyler, TX: “But now, since you have been liberated from sin and become enslaved to God, you have your fruit, which results in sanctification-and the end is eternal life! For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom. 6:22-23 HCSB
Pam, Dallas, TX, “What ever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are receiving.” Col 3:23-24 NIV
The Journey Continues ~ With “Heaven Bound” blessings,
Kim Safina, Los Osos, CA. 🙂
God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
1 John 3:20
KJV
PRAYING DAILY FOR ALL IN THE FAMILY!!!!!! 🙂
Sue – Troy, MI
“Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s
will for you in Christ Jesus.”
2 Thess. 5:16-18
Alta, Sharpsville, In
I delight to do Your will, O my God;
Your law is within my heart.
Psalm 40:8 NASB
Shanna, Petal MS
Psalm 28:7 NIV
“The Lord is my strenth and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.”
Sandy, Houston
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NASB)
And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
having a down day & was just reading through all of these promises on here for a reminder… this one really hit me today. thanks for posting it!!
Lindsey, Jenks, OK
“The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.” ~I Peter 4:7,8 NLT
Beverly, Pearland, TX
For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him… 2 Chronicles 16:9a TNIV
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. Romans 8:28 NIV Thank you Beth for the enocurage ment I need so desperately right now. This blog and God’s word has helped me so much.
Sarah, Christina and Esther May: Wenatchee
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
Luke 12:32 NIV
Stacey in Midlothian ~ “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Genesis 28:15 NIV
*Lydia’s June MRI showed slight growth of brainstem tumor. Covet your prayers. Peace in knowing God is watching over us as we walk this unknown path.
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lorn is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach 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 (Yes, we just started Breaking Free! Pray for us!)
Cara, Highlands Ranch, “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” Psalm 27:4, NIV.
Andrea, Tulsa. “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up, do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:19a
candifer, sd: Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil. psalm 119:133 (NLT)
Tracey from Shawnee, Kansas
2 Chronicles 16: 9a (NIV)
For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
Cherise, Cheyenne, WY:
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8 NKJV
Shelly, Greenville
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Romans 8:28 NLT
Amy from Marion, VA “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 NIV
Janet, Richland, MS
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; My God is my rock in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:2 NIV
Ange, Louisville KY
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.
John 10:27-28 NASB
Leah, Atlanta: “May the love and favor of the Lord Jesus Christ rest upon you.” I Cor. 16:23 (TLB)
Lori, Atlanta, GA
“For you were called to freedom, only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh but through love, serve another. Galatians 5:13, NKJV
Kristin, Jacksonville, AL. “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)
Michelle, North Little Rock, AR
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:1-2, ESV
Michelle
Bossier City
Teach me your way, O Lord,
and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name. (Psalm 86:11 NIV84)
Sharon, Griffin, Georgia
Luke 12:34 NIV
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. Jer 17: 7 (NLT)
Becky
Owasso OK
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
1 Cor. 13: 4-8a NIV
Pam H. Buena Park, CA.
“For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb.” Psalms 139:13 NASB
2 Timothy 2:26 (NIV)
and that they come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will
Tammy
Lusby,MD
NIV
John 8:58
“I tell you the truth”, Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”
Viola Dodd, Lubbock, TX Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:12 TNIV
Kathy, Mansfield, TX
The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord. Ps 45:11 NIV
Troy, Ohio
Jude 24-25 NIV
To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present
you before his glorious presence without fault and with
great joy-to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty,
power and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord, before
all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Lorie, Columbia, SC
And Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servants eyes, and he looked and saw hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:17 NIV
Karen
Jefferson City, TN
1 Corinthians 13:7-10, TNIV
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.
Jean, Columbus, Ohio “Let us therefore come boldly before the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 KJV
Wendi from Sulphur, LA
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’ will is-his good, pleasing, and perfect will
Romans 12:2 NIV
Heather, Leawood, Kansas.
“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”
Isaiah 55:12 (NIV).
Linda
Burnsville, MN
Psalm 27:14 NIV
“Wait for the Lord. Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord!”
Jennifer – Knoxville, TN:
Whatever you have heard learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9 NIV
Jani – Agate, CO – 2 Chronicles 16:9a NASB
For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His…
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Matt 6:34 NLT
Sharon, Hamburg, NY
“Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” Romans 12:21 (NLT)