**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.
Karina Sousa
Recife- Brazil
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.”
Romans 5:3-4, NLT
Not sure if i posted this or not so here it goes,
Angie Belleville, “Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us! So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won’t let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us.”
Heb 12:1(CEV)
Psalms 31:24 NIV
Be strong let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.
“Consider it all joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 NIV
Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)
now to him who is able to do immeasurably more
than all we ask or imagine according to
HIS POWER that is AT WORK WITHIN US.
Annalee in Houston
Kathy, Austin,
“Yes, Lord, walking in the way of Your laws, we wait for You. Your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.” Is 26:8 NIV
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Zeph 3:17 (NIV)
Stephanie
Pawleys Island, SC
AJ, Berkeley, CA: yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. -1 Cor 8:6, NRSV
Amber
Clovis, CA
Psalms 148:3 “Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars!”
Tracy, Hobe Sound, Fl “God is kind, but He’s not soft. In kindness He firmly takes us by the hand and leads us into radical life change.” Romans 2:4b The Message
Donna, Norman, OK
James 4:7-8 NASB
Submit therefore to God.
Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and
purify your hearts you double-minded.
Melissa from Easley, SC
Only hold on to what you have until I come.
Rev 2:25 NIV
Meredith, Trabuco Canyon, CA
Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults–unless of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier.
Luke 6:37 MSG
Bonnie, Rowlett, TX
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Crevolyn, Gainesville, GA “But he said to me, ‘my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
Samantha, Tupelo, MS
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.
Ephesians 1:17 Holman
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26 NIV1984
Jocelyn Greenville, SC
“But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses servant of the Lord gave you: to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul.” Joshua 22:5 NIV
Take words with you and return to the Lord.
Say to him:
“Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously,
that we may offer the fruit of our lips.”
Hosea 14:2
NIV
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.
Romans 8:28
Antoinette, Menomonee Falls, WI
For there is one God and on mediator between God and man,
the man Christ Jesus. 1Tim 2:5a NIV.
Sarah, St. Peters, MO
Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Amy W., Columbia, SC – “Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes.” Ephesians 4:23 (NLT)
Janine, Round Rock TX
No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8 NLT
“See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.”
Isaiah 49:16a NLT
“They will make war against the Lamb, 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.”
Revelation 17:14 NIV
Sherree Hunsberger, Lilburn, GA
John15:5 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.”
Rachel; Willis, TX
Psalm 98:4 KJV
Make a joyful noise to the Lord all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
Hannah, La Grange, TX ““And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.” 1 Chronicles 28:9
Sarah, McKinney, TX
“For whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12
Miranda M.
Bellevue, NE
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy & dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you have a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And overall these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. “Colossians 3:12-14
Lorna Beth
Chicago, IL
Psalm 94:19 ESV
When the cares of my heart are many,
your consolations cheer my soul.
Anita
Austin, TX
ECC 9:17 The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools. (NIV)
Colossians 3:23 NIV
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not men.
2 Samuel 22:31 HCSB
” His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is pure. He is a shield to all who take refuge in him”.
Lisa
Macomb, MI
Becky, Chattanooga, TN
“I love you, LORD; you are my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.”
Psalm 18:1-2 NLT
Sally, Grants, NM
Proverbs 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not know what a day may bring.
Suni – Roanoke, VA
Psalm 121:3-4 – He will not let your foot slip – He who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
Holly from Alpharetta, GA
“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never by shaken”.
Psalm 62:1-2
Brigette Brock
Morehead, KY
I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set my heart on your laws.
I hold fast to your statutes, O Lord;
do not let me be put to shame.
I run in the path of your commands
for you have set my heart free.
Psalm 119: 30-32 NIV
James 1:12 NIV Aug. 1st
Blessed is the man who perserveres under trials because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Katie
Frisco, TX
“The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.”
Psalm 19:8
(Sorry so late! Been ministering in China without internet!) 🙂
Amarillo, TX
Proverbs 23:17
Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name sake.
Psalm 23:1-3
Peggy
Crowley Lake, CA
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind. Ps 107:8. NRSV.
“But seek 1st the Kingdom of God AND His righteousness, and ALL THESE THINGS will be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 NKJ
Mandy
China Spring, TX
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.
John 4:23 NIV
Leslie; Tyler, TX
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.” Proverbs 31: 10-14 (NIV)
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Romans 12:9 ESV
Luanne, from Magnolia, TX: “Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me for they are too strong for me. Set me free from my prison, that I may praise Your name.” -Psalm 142:6-7a (NIV)