Hey, Darling Things! I was so happy to catch up with many of you yesterday! I was seriously thirsty for some time with you. If you didn’t tune in to the livestream but want to catch up, check the previous post. The video will stay up for a little while. It’s not at all too late to watch it and leave a comment with your 5-song playlist (on that post, not this one please!). That post is about trading in a spirit of despair for a garment of praise! If you’re game for that, jump back to the previous entry after you’ve left your memory verse here.
Man, oh, man, I was tested all day long yesterday on whether or not I’d permit Jesus to cover me with a garment of praise. Anybody else? The day wasn’t complete until I had car trouble. Oh, and I almost forgot to throw in here that Star and Geli were bound and determined to have my raccoon for supper. I screamed to high heaven and Keith ran out in the sticks barefooted in his maroon Texas A&M pajama pants and called them off. Why the police didn’t drive up to see if there had been domestic violence, I’ll never know. Laughing. Oh, mercy, ladies. We live real lives, don’t we? The kind where you unload a dishwater that was crammed full of dishes only to realize late into the massive unloading that they were still dirty. Blast it.
I’m praising our glorious God this morning while it is still dark outside, anticipating that over the next half hour the sun will rise on a brand new day and it will be a great one. A great one, indeed, Lord Jesus. Bring it. And show Your beautiful self to us in its course.
SO, SISTERS, IT’S TIME FOR OUR 5TH VERSE! You are jotted in my prayer journal this morning where I asked God to keep you steadfastly at the process and to give you joy and victory in it and to keep your soul alive and healthy in His Word. Do not grow weary in your well doing! Always keep in mind that we’re wearing our obsessive minds out on SOMETHING. It may as well be the Word of God with the power to build it back up! Your God did not give you a spirit of fear, Sweet Thing, but of…
POWER.
LOVE.
SELF CONTROL.
I thought maybe some of you could use some fresh ideas this round so I’m going to put a few extras in here today. Two of these are from the Psalm I read to you at the conclusion of the livestream yesterday. The beauty of the first selection is that it would count for both your Scriptures this month since it’s two verses. Now, mind you, you’d still have to document the second half of it on March 15th but that’s easy to do. Right? I felt like God put a word on my heart yesterday that some of us who are really struggling with the memorization process might be making it a bit harder than it has to be in some of our selections. Try to avoid over-complicating it when possible. Only choose a really complex portion when you feel like your life and sanity depend on it and, in that case, go for it with all your might and ask God to empower you to absorb it. OK, here goes:
(1) It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; (v.2) to declare Your steadfast love in the morning, and Your faithfulness by night. Psalm 92:1-4 ESV (See how easy those two would be, Sisters? And it would knock out your whole month of March!)
I’ll go ahead and choose the second one (out of the same Psalm) for my selection this March 1st. I’m choosing The NET Bible for my translation on this one because it makes me happy to use the word happy in a Bible verse. Thank you, Miss Shameless Sanguine.
Beth, Houston. “For You, O Lord, have made me HAPPY by Your work. I will sing for joy because of what You have done.” Psalm 92:4 The NET Bible
I’ll throw in one more because I jotted it down on an index card several months ago and set it on my desk at home where I can see it everyday while I’m having my quiet time. It hasn’t finished its work in me yet so, while it’s still on my mind, I’ll offer it up as one more possibility for some of you. I love, love, love this verse in The Message.
GOD, the Master, The Holy of Israel,
has this solemn counsel:
“Your salvation requires you to turn back to me
and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves.
Your strength will come from settling down
in complete dependence on me.” Isaiah 30:15 The Message
Well, amen to that.
I love you guys so much! That sun is just beginning to peak through the trees. It’s going to be a great day.
Tags: Scripture Memory 2013
Gena Gilbert – Rowlett, Texas
“For You, O Lord, have made me HAPPY by Your work. I will sing for joy because of what You have done.” Psalm 92:4 The NET Bible
Sherry Trawick from Granite Quarry, NC…”Your hand will guide me and your strength will support me” Psalms 139:10 (NLT)
Carol, Naperville
Love one another as I have loved you.
John 15:12 NLT
Frances, Orange TX
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1Peter 5:8 NIV84
Katherine Chaney, Greenbrier, AR
It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to Your name, O Most High Psalm 92:1 ESV
Kristin from Kentucky:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1:1 ESV
Suzy, Grove City, Ohio
Let you gentleness be evident to all, the Lord is near.
Phillippians 4:5 = NIV
Jill from Houma, LA
Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.
Philippians 2:14-15 NLT
Laura K in SD:
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2 ESV
Teresa-Bessemer, Al-Have I not commanded you? Be strong & courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NIV
Heather – McDonough, GA
He is enthralled by your beauty, since He is your Lord, bow before him.
Psalm 45:11 ESV
Christy M, Coeur d’Alene, ID
“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
Jen, Houston
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” – Luke 14:11 (NIV)
Janet from Odessa, TX
but those who trust 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 faint. Isaiah 40:31 HCSB
Amanda
Derby, KS
1Timothy 1:15. NIV
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of whom I am the worst.
Amy S. from Saint Cloud, FL
“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; you will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant.”
Proverbs 3:24 (HCSB)
Vickie, Baytown, TX
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
Isaiah 26:3 Living Bible
“He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord!”
Ashley from Huddleston, VA – “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.” Psalm 73:23-24 NIV
Keri, Toms River, NJ
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 NIV
I’m willing Lord… Equip me.
Michelle, Livermore, CA
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
James 1:22 ESV
Susan, Greensburg, Indiana
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5 NIV
But you, oh Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
Psalms 3:3 (ESV)
Mary Anne, Osler, Canada
“I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.”
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him.”
Lamentations 3:24-25 NIV
Sue, Groveport, OH
Psalm 91:4. NIV
He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Lisa, from Huntsville, AL:
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.’ – Ps 122:6 – 7 NIV 84
Julie in Carlsbad, CA
Philippians 4:8 “Finally brothers and sisters, 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.” (NIV – UK)
E’Von, Houston Tx, 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
Melissa, San Antonio, TX
1 Peter 1:6 (NLT)
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philipians 4:6 NASB
De Anna- Greenville SC
1 Peter 1:3-4 NIV
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade–kept in heaven for you
Lisa, West Des Moines, IA “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)
Mississippi
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
Proverbs 31:25 NLT
Joan from Carter Lake
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)
Tatia, Carlisle, PA – “But the wisdom that comes down from Heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17 NIV1984
Catherine, Monahans, Texas:
“But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess.” I Peter 3:15 NET
Rene’, Cape Girardeau, MO
The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun scorched land and will strenghthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 59:11 NIV
Through their faith, the people in the days of old earned a good reputation.
Hebrews 11:2 NLT
Emily from Atlanta: Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. -Ephesians 6:11 NIV
But now I said to them, “You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!” (Nehemiah 2:17 NLT)
Tracy, Richlands, NC
Joanne, Orange, Texas
For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
2 Chronicles 16:9
NIV 84
Stephanie, Westerville. “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” I John 3:18 (NIV)
Lauren from Demopolis, AL: “But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, ‘Do not fear, only believe.'” Mark 5:36 ESV (speaking to Jairus when they told him his daughter had already died before Jesus could make it there)
Ellen, Chattanooga, TN
For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.
Zephaniah 3:17 NLT
Kim K., Columbus OH area
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12 NKJV
Lauren, Charlotte. “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
Kay in Sierra Vista, AZ
Ephesians 5:15-16 (because I need some self-discipline in my work!)
Therefore, be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
Abbey, Warsaw IN
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
Nancy, Lee’s Summit, MO
and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power Ephesians 1:19 NKJV
Emily Strate
El Dorado, AR
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. Psalm 1:1 NIV