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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Comments:

  1. 1701
    Tina Harrell says:

    Tina from Chesapeake, VA – “When I am afraid, I will trust in You.” Psalm 56:3(NIV84)

  2. 1702
    carol doherty says:

    “Many are the plans in a mans heart but it is the Lords purpose that prevails”

    Proverbs 19 v 21 NIV

  3. 1703
    Tanya says:

    Tanya, From Lorton, Virginia
    I remain confident of this:I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
    Psalm 27:13(NIV)

  4. 1704
    Amy B, Wichita says:

    For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we throught the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Romans15:4, NKJ

  5. 1705
    Britney says:

    Britney– Concord, NC

    And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. -2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)

  6. 1706
    Anne Lewis says:

    Anne, Simpsonville, SC “Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Pray in the spirit at all times and on every occasion.” Ephesians 6:17-18a. NLT

  7. 1707
    Jennifer L. says:

    Jennifer, North Charleston, SC:

    “Cast your anxieties on him because he cares for you.”

    1 Peter 5:7, NIV

  8. 1708
    Jill Osborne says:

    Jill from Winter Haven, FL
    “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;” Colossians 3:12 NKJV

  9. 1709
    Kay says:

    Kay – Anderson, IN

    “The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it.”

    God bless !!!!

  10. 1710
    Cindy says:

    Colossians 1:4
    Amplified Bible (AMP)

    4 For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus [[a]the leaning of your entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness] and of the love which you [have and show] for all the saints (God’s consecrated ones),

  11. 1711
    Annette Correll says:

    Annette, San Diego

    “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?”
    Psalm 118:6 KJV

  12. 1712
    Maria Cristina Bruschi says:

    Maria Cristina Bruschi
    Orlando, Florida

    “Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16 – NKJV

  13. 1713
    Kerry says:

    Kerry from Houston, TX:

    Who is like the Lord our God,
    Who is enthroned on high,
    Who humbles Himself to behold
    The things that are in heaven and in the earth?

    Psalms 113:5,6 NASB

  14. 1714
    Taylor says:

    Taylor, Temple, TX
    “For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy one of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43:3a (NIV)

  15. 1715
    Marianne McIntyre says:

    Marianne –
    from Carrolton,TX

    casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ; (2 Corinthians 10:5 ASV)

  16. 1716
    Concetta Drake says:

    Concetta, White Oak, Psalms 62:5 (NCV)
    “I find rest in God; only he gives me hope.” Amen!

  17. 1717
    Vickie C says:

    Vickie, Baytown, Texas
    But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. 1 Peter 3:4 (English Standard Version)

  18. 1718
    Nadine Fry says:

    Nadine Fry, Morton, UK

    He will not allow your foot to slip;
    your Protector will not slumber.
    Indeed, the Protector of Israel
    does not slumber or sleep.

    Psalm 121: 3 and 4 HCSB

  19. 1719
    Christy Lemmons says:

    Christy, Jonesboro, AR (for Arkansas, not Arizona)

    1 Peter 2:9 NIV: But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

  20. 1720
    Lori says:

    Lori, Owasso, OK

    Proverbs 31:15-16 NLT
    15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household
    and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.

    16 She goes to inspect a field and buys it;
    with her earnings she plants a vineyard.

  21. 1721
    Dayna Tirado says:

    Dayna, Bedford, VA
    Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18 HCSB

  22. 1722
    Kassie Dulin says:

    Kassie Dulin from Southlake, TX

    “I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure.” (Psalm 119:162, NKJV)

  23. 1723
    Sharon Quevreaux says:

    Sharon of Mineola, Texas
    So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you
    to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to
    accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.
    June 16, 2013. NLT

  24. 1724
    Beth says:

    Beth,Troy
    “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
    Hebrews 10:23(NIV)

  25. 1725
    Ally says:

    Ally, Houston.
    “Teach me how you want me to live; lead me along a level path because of those who wait to ambush me!…Where would I be if I did not believe I would experience the Lord’s favor in the land of the living?”
    Psalm 27:11,13 NET
    “Wait for the Lord;
    be strong and take heart
    and wait for the Lord.”
    Psalm 27:14 NIV

  26. 1726
    Susan B says:

    Susan Bymaster, Ames, OK.
    Don’t lose sight of my words. Let them penetrate deep within your heart for they bring life and radiant health to anyone who discovers their meaning.
    Prob. 4:21-22 NLT

  27. 1727
    Ginny (Denver) says:

    It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Ephesians 1:11 MSG

  28. 1728
    Emma says:

    Emma from Olathe, KS

    “I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. (Isaiah 43:25 ESV)

  29. 1729
    Kristen says:

    Kristen, Largo, FL “Let the Lord’s people show Him reverence, for those who honor Him will have all they need.” Psalm 34:9 NAS

  30. 1730
    Midge Edmond says:

    Midge, Atlanta/Florence, SC “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
    Hebrews 10:23(NIV)

  31. 1731
    Karlys says:

    Karlys, La Place, LA
    is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her;
    those who hold her fast are called blessed.
    Proverbs 3:18 ESV

  32. 1732
    Shauna Moody says:

    Shauna, Aurora, NE James 3:17 “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere.” ESV

  33. 1733
    McKenzie says:

    mckenzie, new orleans
    You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1John 4:4 NIV

  34. 1734
    Melanie says:

    Melanie, Arkansas

    “Let them praise HIS name with dancing, making melody to HIM with tambourine and lyre! For the LORD takes pleasure in HIS people; HE adorns the humble with salvation.”
    Psalms 149:3-4 NKJV

  35. 1735
    Amy Storms says:

    Amy Storms
    Santa Clarita, CA

    In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

    Ephesians 3:12

  36. 1736
    Jamie says:

    Jamie, Coupeville, WA

    Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

    Romans 12:1-2

  37. 1737
    D'Anne McMillen says:

    D’Anne, Loganville, GA You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (1 John 4:4 NIV)

  38. 1738
    Anne Watson says:

    Anne, Frisco, TX
    The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have…Am I not sending you?”
    Judges 6:14 NIV

  39. 1739
    Julie Stamey says:

    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 is no sheep on the pen
    And no cattle in the stalls,
    Yet I will rejoice in The Lord
    I will be joyful in god my savior
    Habakkuk 3: 17-18

  40. 1740
    JR says:

    Jess R, Katy, Tx

    For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. – Philippians 1:21 NKJ

  41. 1741
    Melody Argueta says:

    Melody, Cleburne, TX
    “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the Lord will stand.”
    Proverbs 19:21

  42. 1742
    Elsie Gregory says:

    Elsie – Scottsbluff NE

    I am not ashamed of the gospel,because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

    Romans 1:16 NIV

  43. 1743
    Denissa says:

    Denissa C. Brownfield, TX
    For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 NLT

  44. 1744
    Tracey says:

    Tracey, Encinitas
    Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord;
    keep watch over the door of my lips.
    Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil,
    to take part in wicked deeds.
    Psalm 141:3-4 NIV

  45. 1745
    Sierra Tolman says:

    Sierra T, Salt Lake City, UT

    In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26 NIV

  46. 1746
    Danita says:

    Danita Tippet, Lake in the Hills, IL

    Luke 18:13-14 ESV
    But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

  47. 1747
    Becky says:

    Becky, Chattanooga, TN
    ” Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
    1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT

  48. 1748
    Cari says:

    Cari, Alexandria, LA

    “Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.”

    Psalm 89:8 NIV

  49. 1749
    Rachel says:

    Rachel Owasso, OK

    1 Chronicles 29:11 NET

    O Lord, you are great, mighty, majestic, magnificent, glorious, and soverign over all the sky and earth! You have dominion and exalt yourself as the ruler of all.

  50. 1750
    Sacha Olive says:

    Sacha, Midland, TX
    1 Timothy 1:5 (ESV)
    “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”

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