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
Laura Humphreys, Savannah, GA
“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed — not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence — continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” Philippians 2:12 (NIV)
acts 20:24 niv
however, i consider my life worth nothing to me, if only i may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me–the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.
Sue, Wellington. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men. Ephesians 6:7 NIV 84
Jennifer, Medford OR
So let us know, let us press on to know the Lord. His going forth is as certain as the dawn; and He will come to us like the rain, like the spring rain watering the earth.
Hosea 6:3 NASB
Shelli, Karalee, Katelyn, Royse City, TX: My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:12 NIV
Jill P, Ames, IA
2 Cor. 10:3-5 (NIV)
3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Lynn – Lake Villa, IL
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
Kathy M., Biloxi, MS
A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1 NASB
Mary Ann, Woodbury, MN
It is good to praise Yahweh,
to sing praise to Your name, Most High,
to declare Your faithful love in the morning
and Your faithfulness at night…
Psalm 92:1-2 HCSB
Michelle Alosa- Concord, NH
Proverbs 22:6 The Message
“Point your kids in the right direction- when they’re old they won’t be lost.”
Amen!
Courtney Cherest
LaPlata, MD
1 Peter 2:6-15 (ESV)
6 For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,”
8 and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
11 Beloved, I urge you has sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.
12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme,
14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.
15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.
Misti, from Houston.
“Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Phillipians 4:6
NIV
Kaitlin, Mound, MN
“Come. Sit down. Let’s argue this out.” This is God’s Message: “If your sins are blood red, they’ll be snow-white. If they’re red like crimson, they’ll be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18 MSG
Kristin, Frisco, TX
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
As for God, His way is perfect: the Lord’s Word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him. For who is God besides the Lord? It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.
2 Samuel 22:31-33 (NIV)
Crystal, Gridley, IL
Jen Lee, Ames, Iowa: 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:10-17 (NIV)
Wendi; Kathleen, GA
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Col 1:17 NIV
Vicki C, indianapolis, IN
Ps. 119:130 NIV
The unfolding of your words gives light;
It gives understanding to the simple.
Abby, Oakland, TN
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)
Angie, Hampton, TN
Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain a new strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary. Isaiah 40:31
from Tallahassee, ESV, Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of The Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
ANN, Prior Lake, MN
“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” Colossians 4:2 NLT
Ginger – Phoenix, Arizona
“You hem me in–behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? ” Psalm 139:5-7 (NIV1984)
Stacie
Tenaha, TX
“Blessed is she who has believed that The Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (NIV)
Cheryl Cash Fort Portal, Uganda
“Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself like a little weaned child with its mother; I am like a little child.” Psalm 131:2 (HCSB)
Angela Talley, Murfreesboro, TN
Phillipians 4:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but by prayer and suplication with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finnally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are
honest, whatsoever things that are just, whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things that are lovely, whatsoever things that are of good
report; if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these
things.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Romans 8:3
For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did; sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh.
Trish from California, MD
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
Janice, Harrison
“…For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there,
but water the earth making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
so shall My word be that goes out from My mouth;
and it shall not return to Me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”
Isaiah 55:10-11
Stacie
Tenaha, TX
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Luke 1:45 (NIV)
Valerie ~ Pflugerville, TX
When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need – words that will help others become stronger. Then what you way sill do good to those who listen to you.
Ephesians 4:29, NCV
Heather S., Louisville KY
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praise to Your name, O Most High.
Psalm 92:1 ESV
Sandy E., Kansas City, Missouri; “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galations 6:9 NIV
Cari – Alexandria, LA
“But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength…”
Psalm 59: 16 (NAB)
Sharon Lee, Riverside, Ca.
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Psalm 32:7 NIV
Brenda from Santa Ros Beach, Florida
But I have trusted, leaned on and been confident in your
mercy and loving-kindness, my hear shall rejoice and be in
high spirits in Your salvation.
Psalms 13 : 5 Amp
Bradley, Il. “Return home and tell how much God has done for you. Luke 8:39. NIV
Roni – Demopolis, AL
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails”. Proverbs 19:21 NIV
Lynette, Nashville, TN
fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 ESV
NIV – Matt 11:28-30-Come to me all you who are weary amd burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Proverbs 18:13 ESV
“He who answers before listening – that is his folly and his shame.”
Cherise, Cheyenne, WY: “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. I John 3:18 (NIV)
Neeley from Auburn, AL-
James 3:5- NIV
“Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”
Lindsay E in Houston, TX
“Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.” Galatians 1:10, New Living Translation
Carrie Jones
Ontario, Canada
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.
John 10:10 NET
Beth R
Liberty Lake, Wa
TNIV
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom,you should ask God, who gives generously without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Joan, Allentown, PA “The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of Your hands.” Psalm 138:8 ESV
Maggie, Seattle, WA
“I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” -Psalm 16:8 (NIV)
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Psalm 139:14 NIV)
Tammie, Benoit, MS
Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.
Psalm 62:8 NASB