Hey, Everybody!

I just loved Lindsee’s previous post! Didn’t you? (Oops, I know better than to ask a question on SSMT day that might tempt you to answer with more than your verse. So scratch that. But at least know that I’ve been heavily into writing lately and am almost desperate for Siesta interaction. We’re going to need a livestream soon and for my sake much more than yours.)  I love some occasional randomness here on the blog. Well, I actually love it more often than occasionally. But I appreciate it most of all when random and awkward meet in the hall and hold hands like seventh graders who think they’re in love. Now we’re talking. Random doesn’t get better than that. And we got some mighty fine random awkwardness out of those lists.

But, alas, today is not random. Today is for taking the next big step in our life-thriving, heart-guarding, mind-saving journey of memorizing 24 Scriptures in 2013. Wooooohoooooo!

I am a little tickled over the verse I’m about to share with you because I really like to offer one up that many of you could consider as a selection in case you’re drawing a blank.  I give that process thought every single time I write an SSMT post and have for each year we’ve practiced it. It’s the least I can do as your resident Siestaville rally girl. This time I just couldn’t make it happen, however, because I’m memorizing out of the Book of Jude and I need to proceed to the next verse. So, with seriousness and focused intention plus a side order of mild amusement, I offer you my official 2013 SSMT Verse 4:

Beth, Houston. But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.” Jude 1:9 ESV

What??!? That’s not the exact verse you’ve been longing to memorize? It’s not like I read your mail?? Finding out what happened to the body of Moses has not been your latest Scripture obsession?? This may be the first time – lo these many SSMT years – when no one opts to jump with me into my selection. You’ve got to admit it’s gloriously intriguing though. I’m totally taken with it and have been reading through a commentary as I’ve proceeded in the memorization. Jude is short on words and wild as a bucking bronco in a cramped corral on themes. Don’t dream of suggesting that the verse has little relevance for us. When the enemy is harassing you, just try occasionally saying out loud with lungs full of faith, “The Lord rebuke you” and see what happens. And I’m going to see what happens, too, because I’ve never diligently gone for that approach either. I don’t have many conversations with the enemy and I hope you don’t have an overabundance of them either. Our dialogues need to be directly with God who triumphs over every principality and empowers us with His Spirit and shields us with His hand. But I do indeed at times voice rebukes and occasional directives for him to get out of my yard and away from my family. In Jesus’ Name.

Over the last decade or so, I’ve switched from saying “Get behind me, Satan” when I feel like he’s hard at work around me and messing with my loved ones to “Get behind JESUS, Satan.” Jesus is the one who coined the command in Matthew 16:23 and I’m not at all sure it’s the same ballgame with the same outcome when we repeat the words like we have the exact level of authority. Anyway, I don’t especially want Satan working behind my back. Do you? I want him behind Christ’s. With Jesus in between the two of us, we find safety.

OK, Sisters! Let’s hear your verses! Name, City, Verse, Reference and Translations please! I love you so much. I’m honored to journey with you on this adventure Home.

Tags: Scripture Memory 2013

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