2013 Siesta Scripture Memory Team: Verse 12!

Hey Sweet Things! I’m putting this post up an evening early so I don’t have to be up and working at 7:00 AM on a Saturday morning off. Smiling. Thank you for understanding! Don’t stress if the comments aren’t moderated right away. We take it a little slower on weekends so nobody’s working nonstop.

 

I wish I had a way to add some great celebratory music to this post. You are officially halfway! Doesnā€™t that feel fabulous? Oh, come on, now. Let yourself feel it. Great job, Sisters! It’s not easy. We know we can do the second half because we have already done the first. Ā And weā€™ll do this next half exactly the same way: through the unction of the Holy Spirit. Just keep choosing Scriptures that are speaking to you in your exact season and need and theyā€™ll come alive in the marrow of your bones.

 

I feel like Iā€™ve been talking to you all day because I think of you while writing the lessons for the Bible study underway. We have hashed some things out in the Scriptures today, Sister. You just couldnā€™t hear them. Iā€™ll just be glad when some of you are sitting on the other side of that page talking back. When I was at the taping for Children of the Day in May, we explained to the group that it would be a whole calendar year before the study comes out. The process takes a long time, especially because it involves both written work and video. We also have to dodge around a travel schedule that is set in calendar-stone a good bit in advance. But, in the twinkling of an eye, another month has already passed. The very last of the manuscript is due in December so youā€™ll not waste a prayer on me between now and then. I donā€™t get to write every week because I am on the road more often this time of year so each day I get to sit with my Bible open to 1st and 2nd Thessalonians is a gift. And a brain cracker at times.

 

You and I have plenty to do before next May, however! I so hope many of you are doing the Gideon Bible study this summer with us that our gifted sister, Priscilla Shirer wrote. Itā€™s tremendously powerful. I saw one of you give her a shout-out today on Twitter with the hashtag #Siestaville at the end of it. It made me so happy. God has graced us with such anointed messengers at this hour in the Body of Christ, men and women alike. Hasnā€™t He? It has been my privilege to study under a number of them with you and to hear about many others from you. Our discipleship worlds are so much bigger when we’re willing to come together. Otherwise, we sit tight in all our own little corners and have no idea how many people God has gifted to serve the Body. We cheat ourselves when we separate ourselves.

 

OK, Sisters, are you ready to log in your 12th verses? Iā€™m choosing mine from a sermon Curtisā€™s good friend, Jerrell Altic, brought in Curtisā€™s absence last Sunday at our church. His primary text was Mark 1 but he tied in a verse that really jumped out at me. I love the Book of Philemon and have taught out of it several times in the last two years but thatā€™s the beauty of living words. A Scripture will suddenly pop off the page that had somehow been veiled from our recognition before. Iā€™d been so taken with phrases like ā€œyet for loveā€™s sakeā€ in verse 9 that Iā€™d missed the treasure of V.6, and who couldnā€™t get distracted by a verse like the 15th? ā€œFor this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever.ā€Ā  I bet some of you have a pretty slack-jawing testimony of that very concept under your own roof.

 

But when Jerrell referenced this verse, I knew it was my choice for our 12th round of SSMT. In fact, donā€™t tell but I jotted it immediately on the yellow notes app of my iPhone, took a screen shot and made it my screen saver right then. Sometimes a ā€œnowā€ word is like RIGHT NOW. Here it goes:

 

 

Beth, Houston. ā€œI pray that the faith you share with us may deepen your understanding of every blessing that belongs to you in Christ.ā€ Philemon 1:6 The NET Bible

Ā 

I want God to deepen my understanding of every blessing that belongs to me in Christ while Iā€™m here plowing into some stubborn earthly soil with sweat sopping my forehead. Donā€™t you? Iā€™m so thankful to be blessed but wouldnā€™t fleshing it out be a whole different prospect if we came to understand the depth and breadth of many of those blessings? To stand on them, act on them, pray from them, teach from them, love from them, and serve through them? Now weā€™re talking.

 

Colossians 2:2-3 gives a glimpse into the grandeur involved as the Apostle Paul prays ā€œthat their (and our) hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of Godā€™s mystery, which is Christ,Ā in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.ā€

 

Look at that again: ā€œthe riches of full assurance of understanding.ā€ We canā€™t soon wrap our minds around all that encompasses but we can instantly and actively start praying for God to deepen our understanding of the blessings that belongs to us in the One who embodies every divine and hidden treasure.

 

Iā€™m making these prayers mine and I am looking for God to answer them. He wouldnā€™t dictate a prayer right there on the pages of the New Testament that He had no intention of responding to.

 

I love working through some verses and concepts with you, Sisters. You are so dear to me. Thank you for spending a little time around here and committing to something challenging in the midst of many priorities. I pray that every part of your life is invaded by the Word of God coursing through your brain. May God bring your harvest forth 100-fold.

 

Itā€™s your turn, Sisters! Give me a hint about what Christ is doing in you right now through the selections of your verses. You are so loved.

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3,111 Responses to “2013 Siesta Scripture Memory Team: Verse 12!”

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Comments:

  1. 1151
    Deanna says:

    Deanna, Houston
    He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. (Psalm 18:19 NIV)

    P.S. new to BCF and loved Jerrell’s message. I, too,rapidly jotted notes on my iPhone.

  2. 1152
    Suzy Adams says:

    Suzy, Wheelersburg, OH – The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. Psalm 118:14 NIV

  3. 1153
    Suszie DeVaughn says:

    Suzie, Wenona, MD: My eyes are continually toward the Lord, for He will pluck my feet out of the net. Psalm 25:15 NASB

  4. 1154
    Faith says:

    Faith
    Houma, Louisiana

    But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (Galatians 5:18 NKJV)

  5. 1155
    Jill P. says:

    Jill P., Ames, IA
    Psalm 62:5,8 (HCSB)
    “5Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from Him. 8Trust in Him at all times, you people;
    pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge.”

  6. 1156
    Denise~Lancaster,PA says:

    “Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your Love, your faith and your purity.”
    1 Timothy 4:12b (NLT)

  7. 1157
    Wanda Young says:

    Wanda
    Osborn, Missouri

    Philemon 1:6 (NET)
    I pray that the faith you share with us
    may deepen your understanding of every
    blessing that belongs to you in Christ.

  8. 1158
    Melissa says:

    Melissa, Locust Grove, Ga:
    Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:4 NIV

  9. 1159
    Carrie Gill says:

    Carrie Gill, Tyler, TX, “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.” 1 Peter 2:1, NIV

  10. 1160
    Vicki Knott says:

    Vicki Knott, Greenwood, SC
    Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. Matthew 6:34 (The Message)

  11. 1161
    Thelisa Nutt says:

    T.Nutt, Mansfield, Tx.
    Psalms 90:12 “Teach me to number my days so I can gain a wise heart.”

  12. 1162
    Tshaka Long says:

    Tshaka; Belgium; The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a might throng.
    Psalm 68:11 NIV

  13. 1163
    Amy says:

    Amy- Miamisburg, OH

    May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

    Romans 15:13 ESV

  14. 1164
    Debbie, Cameron,MO says:

    …shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life – in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.

    Philippians 2:15-16 NIV

  15. 1165
    Andrea Pedigo says:

    Andrea, Gardendale

    Psalm 19:14 ESV

    Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord , my rock and my redeemer.

  16. 1166
    Jennifer Doucet says:

    Jennifer Doucet
    Sulphur, La

    and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. (Ephesians 6:15 NIV)

  17. 1167
    Cimdy Turner says:

    Cindy, Uvalde, Texas
    I pray that the faith you share with us may deepen your understanding of every blessing that belongs to you in Christ.
    Philemon 1:6 NIT

  18. 1168
    Rebecca says:

    Rebecca, Corpus Christi, TX

    James 1:17
    New International Version (NIV)
    17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

  19. 1169
    Nelda Adkins says:

    Nelda Adkins, Houston, TX

    Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)
    As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

  20. 1170
    Tracy Fahs says:

    Tracy
    Lake St. Louis, MO

    Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as memebers of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

    Colossians 3:15
    NIV

  21. 1171
    Lisa says:

    Lisa, Enterprise, Alabama
    ~ What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ – the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. — Philippians 3:8-9 ( NIV)

  22. 1172
    Pauline Richardson says:

    Pauline, Eau Claire , Wi
    “Indeed the darkness shall not hide from you
    But the night shines as the day;
    The darkness and the light are both alike to you.”
    Psalm 139:12 NKJV

  23. 1173
    Regina Coleman says:

    Regina, Salado, TX

    Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. Habakkuk 3:18 ( NKJV)

  24. 1174
    Karyn, Lombard IL says:

    Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the
    proud, to those who turn aside to false gods

    Psalm 40:4. NIV

  25. 1175
    Marsha R. says:

    Marsha R. Lexington Park, MD
    And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.
    You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.
    James 2:23-24 NIV

  26. 1176
    Fran says:

    Fran, Jackson TN “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” (Colossians 4:5 NIV)

  27. 1177
    julieP says:

    Julie Tierra Verde FL

    I pray that the faith you share with us may deepen your understanding of every blessing that belongs to you in Christ.

    Philemon 1:6 NET

  28. 1178
    kathy says:

    Kathy, Austin Hebrews 10:36
    You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of the Father, You will receive all he has promised.

  29. 1179
    Joan says:

    Joan, Carter Lake
    So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)

  30. 1180
    BARBARA JEAN says:

    Barbara, Lewisburg, KY
    Proverbs 4:23 NIV
    “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life.”

  31. 1181
    Laura says:

    Laura, Englewood. If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. Psalm 139:8 NIV

  32. 1182
    Charmaine says:

    Charmaine, Miami, FL – “My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 NKJV

  33. 1183
    Jenn says:

    Jenn, Frederick, CO

    …ā€˜Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,ā€™ says the Lord Almighty.
    Zechariah 4:6

  34. 1184
    Shelley says:

    Shelley, from Bolivar, MO

    Have you not known? Have you not heard? the everlasting God, the Lord, the creator of the ends of the earth neither faints or is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.

    Isaiah 40:28-29 NKJV

  35. 1185
    Martha Lancaster says:

    Martha, Georgetown, TX, Galatians 6:7 NLT, “Don’t be mis-led — you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.”

  36. 1186
    Carla says:

    Carla, Lafayette, AL – A man’s steps are directed by the Lord. Proverbs 20:24 NIV

  37. 1187
    Michele says:

    Michele ~ Kenosha, WI

    “…This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.”

    Revelation 10:b NIV

  38. 1188
    Dawn Ramirez,Lancaster California says:

    He has given me a new song to sing,a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. Psalms 40:3

  39. 1189
    Patti Reavis says:

    Patti, Clemmons, NC
    Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Isaiah 53:10

  40. 1190
    Phyllis says:

    Phyllis, Irvine, CA

    “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Colossians 2:15 (NIV)

  41. 1191
    Tess says:

    Tess
    Cartersville GA

    Psalm 143: 5-6 ESV

    I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands. I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.

  42. 1192
    Sandra from Greenville, TX says:

    Isaiah 46:4 NCV

    Even when you are old, I will be the same. Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you. I made you and will take care of you. I will carry you and save you.

  43. 1193
    Beth Schwartz says:

    Beth Schwartz Lititz PA

    You shall not be in dread of them, for the Lord your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God.” Deut. 7:21

  44. 1194
    Karen says:

    Karen, Lynnwood, Wa

    “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18 (NIV)

  45. 1195
    Judy Sessions says:

    Judy
    Dumas, Arkansas

    “I bow my knees to the Father….that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.”
    Ephesians3:14, 17

  46. 1196
    Nancy A says:

    Nancy, Versailles, Ky

    “Be not far from me, O God;
    Come quickly, O my God, to help me.” Psm 71:12

  47. 1197
    Melissa Bumpers says:

    Melissa, LaGrange, GA Psalm 91:2 NIV,

    “I will say of the Lord, ā€œHe is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.ā€

  48. 1198
    Tessie says:

    Tessie Watkins. El Dorado Springs, MO
    So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
    2 Corinthians 4:18. NIV

  49. 1199
    Rachel says:

    Rachel, Surprise, AZ

    “Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief.” ~Psalm 31:9

  50. 1200
    Rachel H says:

    Rachel H., Alabama
    But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. (Psalm 3:3 NIV)

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