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! Doesn’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.  And we’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 they’ll come alive in the marrow of your bones.

 

I feel like I’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 couldn’t hear them. I’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 you’ll not waste a prayer on me between now and then. I don’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. It’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. Hasn’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? I’m choosing mine from a sermon Curtis’s good friend, Jerrell Altic, brought in Curtis’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 that’s the beauty of living words. A Scripture will suddenly pop off the page that had somehow been veiled from our recognition before. I’d been so taken with phrases like “yet for love’s sake” in verse 9 that I’d missed the treasure of V.6, and who couldn’t get distracted by a verse like the 15th? “For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever.”  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, don’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 “now” word is like RIGHT NOW. Here it goes:

 

 

Beth, Houston. “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 The NET Bible

 

I want God to deepen my understanding of every blessing that belongs to me in Christ while I’m here plowing into some stubborn earthly soil with sweat sopping my forehead. Don’t you? I’m so thankful to be blessed but wouldn’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 we’re talking.

 

Colossians 2:2-3 gives a glimpse into the grandeur involved as the Apostle Paul prays “that 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 God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

 

Look at that again: “the riches of full assurance of understanding.” We can’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.

 

I’m making these prayers mine and I am looking for God to answer them. He wouldn’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.

 

It’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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  1. 1201
    Martha says:

    Martha
    Dickinson. ND
    when I consider your heavens,the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings, that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor.
    Psalm 8:3-5 NIV

  2. 1202
    Donna Renken; Jerseyville, IL says:

    June 1 Memory (missed)
    “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”
    Phil. 2:13 NKJV

    June 15 Memory
    “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
    Psalm 141:3 NKJV

  3. 1203
    Debbie Jackson says:

    Debbie–Amarillo, Texas

    “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”
    Hebrews 6:19-20

  4. 1204
    Andrea Massop says:

    Andrea M, Okotoks, AB

    Psalm 139:12 – …even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. (NIV)

  5. 1205
    Kristie says:

    Midland, TX

    Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 (NIV)

  6. 1206
    Diera Smith says:

    Diera -Austin, TX
    “Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.” 1 Chronicles 29:11 NIV

  7. 1207
    Mitzi purvis says:

    Mitzi from Midland, texas

    Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
    Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

  8. 1208
    Sherry Conner says:

    Sherry – Deer Park,Tx
    2 Corinthians: “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim ANYTHING for ourselves, but our competence comes from GOD!” NIV

  9. 1209
    Whitney Caves says:

    Whitney Caves
    Clinton, MS
    I will remember the deeds of The Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old
    Psalm 77:11

  10. 1210
    Sherry Conner says:

    oops…2 Corinthians 3:5

  11. 1211
    Kelly Wiggins says:

    Kelly Wiggins, Fowler, CA

    O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name,
    for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things,
    things planned long ago.

    Isaiah 25:1 (NIV)

  12. 1212
    Haley Henderson says:

    Haley
    Conway, AR
    James 5:16 NIV
    “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

  13. 1213
    Ann from Ramona, CA says:

    Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

  14. 1214
    Claire says:

    Claire, Houston, Psalm 106:12-13 NIV, Then they believed his promises and sang his praise. But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold.

  15. 1215
    Jordan Walters says:

    Jordan, Columbia, MO. “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:14 NIV

  16. 1216
    Olivia Bagwell says:

    Olivia, Madison, MS

    Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 ESV

  17. 1217
    sherry/Thomasville says:

    I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. ROMANS 7:22-23 NLt

  18. 1218
    Michaela Wright says:

    Michaela from Overland Park, KS
    “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.” Jeremiah 31:3 (NLT)

  19. 1219
    Pushkala Parekh says:

    Pushkala, Louisville, KY: But You, Lord are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. Psalm 3:3 NIV

  20. 1220
    Poorna Diaz says:

    Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. -Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

    Poorna Diaz
    Arlington, VA

  21. 1221
    Carol Hulin says:

    Carol, Belleville, On
    “Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28 NKJV

  22. 1222
    Mary Jane Schwab says:

    Mary Jane, Wilmington, DE
    “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” NIV

  23. 1223
    Mary Jane Schwab says:

    Mary Jane, Wilmington, DE
    “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
    Isaiah 26:3. NIV

  24. 1224
    Ryan Monacelli says:

    Ryan Sussex WI
    2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV

    But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”

  25. 1225
    Joanne says:

    Zephaniah 3:17-18 NIV

    Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls.

    Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

  26. 1226
    Jamye Lawrence says:

    Jamye L., Greenbrier, AR
    My soul languishes for Your salvation; I wait for Your word.
    My eyes fail with longing for Your word, While I say, “When will You comfort me?”
    Psalm 119:81-82 NASB

  27. 1227
    Susan says:

    Susan, Knoxville

    God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 NIV

  28. 1228
    Tisha says:

    Tisha
    Pilot Mtn, NC

    O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

    Psalm 34:8 KJV

  29. 1229
    Andrea Porter says:

    Andrea, Pottstown

    Blessed, is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.

    Luke 1:45 NIV

  30. 1230
    Cherry Buie says:

    Cherry B., Conway, AR

    You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.
    Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!

    Psalm 119:4-5, NIV

  31. 1231
    Laurell says:

    In the morning O Lord you hear my voice. In the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. Psalm 5:3. NIV

  32. 1232
    Shawn says:

    Arizona

    Both riches and honor come from You, and you reign over all. In your hand is power and might; in Your hand it is to make great and t give strength to all. Now therefore, our God, we thank you and praise Your glorious name.

    1 Chronicles 29:12, 13 NKJV

  33. 1233
    Sarah, Plainfield, IN says:

    Do your best to present yourselves as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2Timothy 2:15 NIV

  34. 1234
    Caryn Clark says:

    Caryn from Grand Prairie,

    “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentlenes, and patience. ” Colossians 3:12

  35. 1235
    Tammy says:

    Tammy
    Siloam, NC

    Do everything in love.

    1 Corinthians 16:14 NIV

  36. 1236
    Kimberly says:

    Kimberly in Madison, Maine “The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7, NKJV

  37. 1237
    Joan A. says:

    Joan, Dousman, WI

    He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me,
    And he prepares the way
    So that I may show him the
    Salvation of God.

    Psalm. 50:23 NIV

  38. 1238
    MaryEllen, Barboursville,WV says:

    Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts. Jeremiah 15:16 ESV

  39. 1239
    Judy Bagley says:

    Judy-Taylors, SC

    You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. (Psalm 139:5 NIV)

  40. 1240
    Nancy Mulford says:

    Nancy, Lee’s Summit, MO
    “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.”
    I Corinthians 16:13 NKJV

  41. 1241
    Amy S. says:

    “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.”

    Isaiah 26:3
    (NIV)

  42. 1242
    Reanna says:

    Reanna, Cypress, CA
    John 20:29 NIV
    Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

  43. 1243
    Donna Booth says:

    Donna, Glendale, Az
    ” For each one should carry their own load”
    Galatians 6:5 NIV

  44. 1244
    Leslie Crawley says:

    Leslie Crawley, Flagstaff, AZ. “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 The NET Bible

  45. 1245
    Angela says:

    Angela, Shelbyville

    Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians* you see today will never be seen again. The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm. (Exodus 14:13-14, NLT)

    *Angela’s commentary: your enemy, your obstacle, fill in the blank…

  46. 1246
    Brenda Hayden says:

    Brenda Hayden, Auburn, Washington

    2 Corinthians 2:20 ESV

    For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. that is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.

  47. 1247
    Maria says:

    MariOct
    Oxford, MS

    For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.
    2 Timothy 1:7 NIV

  48. 1248
    Jody Thompson says:

    Jody from Traverse City, MI

    Psalm 91:7 NIV

    A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.

  49. 1249
    Darcy says:

    Darcy, Pittsburgh

    “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:15a NIV)

  50. 1250
    Judy Thompson says:

    Judy from Gladwin, MI

    Psalm 91:7 NIV

    A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.

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