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
Gail Tyler,TX
But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;
I Corinthians 1:27 NKJV
Catherine, Mill Creek WA
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18
Cathy in Orofino, ID
To the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen! Jude 25 NIV
Moses said, “Please show me your glory.”
Exodus 33:18 ESV
Debbie Portland, OR
Hannah,
Lake Charles, LA
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sister, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV
As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. James 5:11, NIV
Ceffie Bridgeport WV Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. Bomans 12:12NLT
Joanne, Callahan
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.
Psalms 19L14 (KJV)
June 19, 2013 NIV
I Peter 1:13
“Therefore prepare your minds for action; be self controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
Jeri, Stillwater, ok
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. Roman 1:16 (NIV)
Melisa, Waco, Texas
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19(NIV)
Angel Bowman
Murfreesboro, TN
“Yet, the strength of those who wait with hope in the Lord will be renewed. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and won’t become weary. They will walk and won’t grow tired.” Isaiah 40:31 (GW)
Rebecca, San Luis obispo
Colossians 2:2-3 “that their 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.”
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Teach me to do your will for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. Psalm 143:10 NLT
Shannon Olson
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA
Psalm 126:6 MSG
So those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing.
Barbara, Prospect, KY: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21. NIV84.
Shaminder
Toronto, ON
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion-to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called Oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendour.
Isaiah 61:1-3
Mary, Indian Head, MD
Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for The Lord rather than for men; knowing that from The Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is The Lord Christ whom you serve. (NASB)
Alisa Winchester, KY ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled’ Matthew 5:6 NIV
Holly, Glendale, AZ:
“Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.”
Proverbs 17:9 NLT
Laurie Chester
“Call to me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you do not know.”
Jeremiah 33:3
NKJV
Becky, Stromsburg, NE
Psalm 89:1 NIV
I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever;
with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.
The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. Psalm 145:8 (NLT)
Tracy from Aurora, CO
Ephesians 6:15-16=For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. (NLT)
Heidi~Lindale, TX
Ephesians 1:4 NIV
“For He chose us in Him, before the creation (foundation) of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight.”
Colossians 3:1 NIV
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Cathie – Jacksonville, Florida
Proverbs 10:12 HCSB
Hatred stirs up conflicts,
but love covers all offenses.
Katie – Decatur, IL
I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. (Isaiah 46:4b NIV)
Cat
San Antonio, Texas
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.” Philemon 1:6 The NET Bible
Cat
San Antonio, Texas
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.”
Jennifer, Wilmington DE
Psalm 46:5 NIV
“God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.”
Psalm 62:1-2
I wait quietly before God, for my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. Psalms 62 1-2. NLT
Laura, Clay Center, KS
Matthew 5:14 (ESV)
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Kay, Sierra Vista, AZ
Proverbs 27:9 – The Message
Just as lotions and fragrance give sensual delight,
a sweet friendship refreshes the soul.
Philippians 4:7 NIV Study Bible
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Kat, Albany, NY
“I have made you and I will carry you, I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”
~Isaiah 46:4b NIV
Nancy, Junction City, Ar.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.” 2 Cor. 1:3 NKJ
Kim “CaliKim”, Central Coast, California
For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 2 Corinthians 1:20
love ya’ll
Galatians 1:10 NLT
Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God.
If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servent.
Marsha Lufkin
Avis, Lone Star, TX
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3: 5-6 NAS
Mary, Brookfield, CT
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control
2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
Lacy, Harrisburg, OR
Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.
Karen from Iowa, “In His hand in the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind” Job 12:10 NIV.
Karen from Iowa, “I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.” Psalm 16:8 NLT.
Rebecca
Boise, Idaho
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
1 Corinthians 13: 4-6 NLT
Victoria – SLC, UT – Proverbs 31:25 (NIV)
“She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.”
Kathryn, west palm beach, FL, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that The Lord promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT)
Kim Beechem from Center, Texas
“But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,
my glory, and the lifter of my head.” Psalm 3:3 (ESV)