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
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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.
Tags: Scripture Memory 2013
Jessica from Clare, 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.
Lisa Stimpson, Munford, Tn.
If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue
But deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.
James 1:26. NKJV
Karen H., Stephenville, TX
Romans 12:9 (NASB)
Let love be without hypocrisy.
Abhor what is evil;
cling to what is good.
Connie, Shipshewana, In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace… Ephesians 1:7 NIV
Lori, Toledo
1 Chrom 29:11. The NET Bible
“O Lord, You are great, mighty, majestic, magnificent, glorious and sovereign over all the sky and earth! You have dominion and exalt Yourself as the ruler of all.”
Andrea, Spring Branch, Texas
John 13:14 & 15 ESV
If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.
Linda G, Richmond, Va
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
Theresa from Tenaha, TX Philemon 1:6
I pray that the faith you share with us may deepen your understanding of very blessing that belongs to you in Christ. NET
Johnnie, Wake Forest, NC
You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:1 ESV
Rachael Clark, jersey shore,pa
Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever. (NIV)
Mary Beth, St. Louis
Romans 8:6 The Voice (VOICE)
“A mind focused on the flesh is doomed to death, but a mind focused on the Spirit will find full life and complete peace.”
Dawn in Monett, MO
Psalm 40:11 NIV
Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD; may your love and your truth always protect me.
Julia, Whidbey Island, WA: “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
Pam in Texas
Be alert. Continue strong in the faith.
Have courage, and be strong. Do everything in love.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NCV)
Dianne, 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)
Terry – Louisa, VA
Psalm 103:3-5 NIV
— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
I will praise you. My life is an example because you defend me. All day long I praise you and proclaim your glory. Don’t reject me now. Don’t abandon me. Don’t stay so far away God. Hurry to my aid. May those who attack me be defeated, destroyed. May those who hurt me be shamed, disgraced. I will always put my hope in you. I will praise you more and more. I will tell of your goodness. I will speak of your salvation. I will go in the strength of the Lord. I will proclaim your goodness. YOURS ALONE. Psalm 71:7-11 (TEV)
Angela, Clyde TX “She will chase after her lovers but not catch them; she will look for them but not find them. Hosea 2:7 NIV
bernadette, mtn home, AR Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? run in such a way to get the prize. I Cor 9:24 NIV
Psalm 103:11-13 NIV
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so The Lord has compassion on those who fear him.
Kim Eshelman Lewisburg, PA
“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
Julie/Deer Park/Proverbs 16:7 NIV When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.
Janice – Topeka, KS
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice!
Phillipians 4:4 NIV
Liz from Hilliard, OH:
“For though we live as human beings, we do not wage war according to human standards,for the weapons of our warfare are not human weapons, but are made powerful by God for tearing down strongholds. We tear down arguments and every arrogant obstacle that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to make it obey Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10: 3-5 (NET)
Sheila
Guyton, GA
“The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent.” Ex 14:14 NASB
Joretta G
Waxahachie, Tx
“And whoever wishes to be first among you shall be servant of all.”
Mark 10:44
I have been on vacation, so here are my verses for #11 and #12 —
Janet –Port Orange, FL “Trust in God with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) NiV
Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths.
Cindy
Kalamazoo, Mi
I will be reviewing my last 11 verses to get them ‘glued’ in my mind and heart. Hope that is ok!
Melanie, Pensacola,FL
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
Isaiah 50:4 NIV
The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue to know the Word that sustains the weary. He awakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.
Emily S.~ Weatherford, TX ~ “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established;” ~Proverbs 24:3 ESV
Deb, Littleton, CO: Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 NKJV
Noreen
Calgary, AB
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
James 1:7 (NIV)
Ashley from Bean Station, TN: For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14 ESV
Dee Dee Fernandina Beach, Florida
Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out. Colossians 4:6 The Message
Hosea 10:12
Sow with a view to righteousness, Reap in accordance with kindness; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord Until He comes to rain righteousness on you.
Peace I leave you: my peace I give you….Don’t let you hearts be troubled and do not afraid. (John 14:27 NIV)
Susan – Statesville, NC
The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you alone or forsake you. Do not be afraid and do not be discouraged.
Deut. 31:8
Shannon, Warner Robins, GA
“LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known….”
Habakkuk 3:2 NIV
Heather King
Gloucester, VA
The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
The righteous run to it and are safe.
Amber, Goshen, IN
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.
Hebrews 12:1-4 NLT
Gail, Jacksonville, FL. “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise…” -Ephesians 5:15, NIV
Christina, Winter Haven
“For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.”
Psalm 51:3, NKJV
Shannon, Jacksonville, FL. “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise…” -Ephesians 5:15 NIV
Amy, Washington DC, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.” Psalms 150:6 NIV
Above all, love each other deeply, because love
covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 NIV
Melissa // Lancaster, PA
But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay. (Psalm 40:17 NIV)
Susan, Locust Grove VA
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
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.
Cindy, Nashville, TN “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” 2 Timothy 4:3 NIV