Hey, you Scripture-memory fiends! Our next to last verse! I’m so happy! But I’m also wishing it would all slow down a little bit and not be over so fast. You, too?? What a year, Siestas. What a year. I told you several SSMT posts ago that my memory work with you has never meant more to me or held a more prominent place in my personal life and I still mean that. I am so thankful for this process that I am almost without words.
I am on my way to Pensacola, Florida for our final Living Proof Live (I go in on Thursdays these days) so, once again, I better get with it! I chose this particular verse (and version) specifically in view of the holiday spending-madness that many of us have ahead. You won’t find a single Scrooge at this ministry. Like many of you, we all love to shower our friends and family members in Christmas gifts to the degree that we’re able and we pray to have pure hearts as we give. We give these small tokens of grace to one another this time of year because of the priceless Gift God has given to us in Christ Jesus. I think it can be a beautiful thing and I also respect those who, by conviction, choose not to participate in the retail hype. I get that completely. Those of us who will be in the malls and shopping online, however, might really be blessed by a mutual reminder to try to stay within our means over these next few weeks and not pile up debts. It takes the joy right out of the giving if we’re paying for it for the entire next year…and with interest. SO, how about this Scripture this time around?
Beth, Houston. “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8 NIV
Smiling. Man. God seems to have a word for everything, doesn’t He?
I love you guys so much! I can’t wait to see some of you in Pensacola! The rest of you pray for us, okay?
We live by faith, not by sight. 2 Cor. 5:7
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1 (NIV)
Kathleen, Ashland.
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”
(Lamentations 3:22-24 ESV)
Wendy, Vero Beach
Peter 4:11b (NIV)
…so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
To him be the glory and the power forever.
Amen.
Sherie
Spring, TX
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8 NIV
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:1 ESV
Brittany, Las Vegas, NV
And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Luke 2:7 (ESV)
Heather, Shiloh, NC
“If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.” John 7:37 NIV
Jan, Rockwall, TX
Psalm 119:111 NLT
Your decrees are my treasure, they are truly my heart’s delight.
Audrey, Rockwall, TX
Matthew 6:24 NIV
No one can serve two masters.
Angela Mansfield TX
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
Colossians 4:2 (NLT)
Brook – Santa Monica, CA
Oh the depths of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments and His paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever! Amen.
Romans 11.33-36
Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB)
Leslie, Tulsa, OK, O lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; Psalm 139:1-2, (ESV)
Darl, Bakersfield, CA “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)
Marilyn ~ Seattle
Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NIV)
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”
Lisa, Olympia, WA
Psalm 121:6 “The sun will not strike you by day, or the moon by night.” (HCSB)
Megan, Grants Pass
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplilcation with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 (NASB)
Kathy in Dayton, Nevada
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He choose for His inheritance.
From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind;
~~~ Psalm 33:12-13 [NIV]
Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB)
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God
7 And the peace of God which passes all comprehension,
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
These verses have been foremost in my prayers as Carol, my sister-in-law, in Intensive Care at Methodist Hospital, recovers from major heart surgery performed last week.
Cindy,
Newton Tony, England
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord.
Oh praise Him!!!
But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. (James 1:25 ESV)
“The Lord will keep you from ALL harm
He will watch over your life.”
Psalm 121:7. NIV
Paula, Houston, TX
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
James 1:19-20 (NIV)
Amber, Lincolnton, NC
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13, NIV
Lori Beaube, Hazlehurst, Mississippi
8)For by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9)not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJ
“Most important of all, love each other deeply, because love makes you willing to forgive many sins.” 1 Peter 4:8 ERV
Hi Beth. Any presentations in San Diego coming up? I’ll ckeck the website.
Kelly, Clarksville TN
James 1 NIV 🙂 by His grace!
Thank you for being a mighty spiritual “trainer” and pushing us to greater limits! And Melissa, I love love LOVE your articles! God bless you guys!!!!
Kathy, Cochran, GA
Do not change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to Him and what is perfect.
Romans 12:2
Mandy from Mt. Vernon
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish the work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-3 (NIV)
Gwen, Kennesaw, GA. “In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.” Matthew 5:48 The Message
Susan
Lititz, PA.
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”
John 15:16
Karyn, Elberfeld, IN – And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NASB)
Deb, Windsor, CT:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9, NIV
Denise – Meredith NH
You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. James 5:8 (NIV)
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
It pays to take life seriously; things work out when you trust in God. Proverbs 16:20 The Message
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8, NIV
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.
I Corinthians 2:9
NIV
Tricia Faison, Wendell, NC Proverbs 3:3 NIV
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
Melody, Crystal Springs MS
Luke 1:46-51
And Mary said–My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on, all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is His Name! His mercy extends to those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds w His arm; He has scattered the proud in their inmost thoughts.
Romans 13:8 (NET)
Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
Traci
Knoxville, TN
Evanston, IL
After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Mark 1:14-15 (NIV)
Tamela Ward, Piedmont, SC: So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 NKJV
Hollie, Mount Vernon
“And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Deuteronomy 10:12, NIV
Jolynn, Rowlett, Tx
“Understand this, my brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angery.”
James 1:19, NLT
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him. Colossians 2:6 NKJV
SO Excited to hear whatever message you have for us! What a Blessing to have you visit our city at a time like this! I’m trying not to make it all about ME 🙂 but there is something I need to hear……Exhaling now
Beckie P, Florence, SC
Psalm 33:13 NIV
From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind;
Shirleen, Greenville,SC…Within Your temple, O God, we meditate on Your unfailing love. Psalm 48:9 (NIV)