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
Esther from Jonesborough TN – Proverbs 14:26 – In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. ESV
1John 4:18 NIV
There is no fear in love. But, perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Jennifer from Nashville, TN
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Colossians 4:8 NASB
Tasha Malvern, AR
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
10 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.
Amy, Bend OR.. fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 NIV
Sharon St. Clair
Harrisburg PA
The Lord will fight for you
Exo. 14;14 NIV
Brandi K
Cape Girardeau, MO
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Lisa Roae, Moyock, NC
Observe my sabbaths, be reverent in my sanctuary. I am The Lord.
Leviticus 26:2 NIV
Erin
Denver, CO
You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Psalm 139:5 NLT
Judy – Littleton, CO
Romans12:12 NIV
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.
2 Samuel 22:20 NIV
Andrea in Spring Branch, Texas
Psalm 32:8 (ESV)
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Again…took me a but to pick one!
Kristen Keeling from Covington, Ga:
“But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus- the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.”
Acts 20:24 (NLT)
Sandy from Anaheim, CA
So the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.
Exodus 33:11a
Julie Jackson, MS Romans 15:7 NIV
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
Linda, Birmingham
Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee.
Isaiah 26:3. KJV
Nancy, Columbia, Then Jonah prayed to the Lord hid God from the stomach of the fish. Jonah 2:1
Stacey, Madison, GA
Don’t depend on things like fancy hairdos or gold jewelry or expensive clothes to make you look beautiful. 4 Be beautiful in your heart by being gentle and quiet. This kind of beauty will last, and God considers it very special. 1 Peter 3:3-4 CEV
Debbie, Escondido CA…”So those who suffer according to God’s will should, while doing what is good, entrust themselves to a faithful Creator.” 1 Peter 4:19 HCSB
With Phyllis from Metairie, LA, we chose
Psalm 40:8 (NCV)
My God, I want to do what you want.
Your teachings are in my heart.
bernadette, mtn home, ar No the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it. Deut. 30:14 NIV
Wanda
Osborn, Missouri
Psalm 32:8 (NIV)
I will instruct you and teach you
in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.
(NIV) Romans 8:5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desire: but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
Isaiah 55:3 ESV
Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live.
Sherry Youngblood Jay, OK
Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.
Psalm 119:35 (NLT)
Andrea, Nashville, TN
Psalm 51:10, ESV
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Abbie, Villa Rica
“I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I AM!” John 8:58, NIV
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:4-9 NIV)
Tracy S from Wheeling WV
“For bodily exercise profits a little but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8 (NKJV)
Haley McKinley- Birmingham, AL
You hem me in–behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
Psalm 139:5
Marie, Villa Rica
All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. John 6:37-38,NIV
Candace L, Lexington Park, MD
Dear Children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
1 John 3:18 (NIV)
Julie Payne, Muskogee, OK. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28 NIV)
Staci, Fayetteville NC
“The Lord Himself will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forget you. Do not be afraid, and don’t worry.” – Deuteronomy 31:8 (NCV)
Melissa, walla walla Wa “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, oh most High; to declair your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night.” Psalm 92:1-2 ESV
Katherine, Charlottesville, VA “In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.” (Psalms 94:19 NKJV)
“On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” John 7:37 ESV
Susan, Indianapolis, IN
(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
Conne, Angel Fire:
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 NIV
Jamie – Michigan
“No one can have greater love than to give his life for his friends” John 15:13 ESV
Kay, Plainview, TX. “But those who hope 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 be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Tracey, Encinitas, CA:
You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Psalm 32:7
Christy, Whiteland, IN
Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’
John 14:6
Pamela Williams, Olive Branch, MS
You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven–for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little. Luke 7:46-47 NIV84
There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. John 1:6-7 NIV
Katie, Madison, “He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and He preserves the way of His godly ones.” Proverbs 2:7-8 NASB
Angela A., Shelbyville, IN
15 This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:
“In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength…”
Isaiah 30:15 (NIV)
Lisa from Seward, Alaska; Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones; Proverbs 16:24. NIV
Christine, Stephens City, VA 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
Christine in Columbus, GA
My beloved spoke and said to me,
“Arise, my darling,
my beautiful one, come with me.
See! The winter is past;
the rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth;
the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
is heard in our land.
The fig tree forms its early fruit;
the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.
Arise, come, my darling;
my beautiful one, come with me.”
Song of Songs 2:10-13. NIV