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
Rhonda, Niles, MI, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8 NKJV
Sheri, Portland, Oregon.
“You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.”
James 5:8 NIV84
Tina, Cincinnati, Ohio – Ephesians 4:31-32 – Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, and every form of malice. Be kind and considerate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (NIV)
Emily Mechanicsville, VA
O Lord, You are great, mighty, majestic, magnificent, glorious, and sovereign over all the sky and earth. You have dominion and exalt Yourself as ruler of all. 1 Chronicles 29:11 The NET Bible
Ellen, Moneta VA
For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. -Romans 6:14 (NIV 1984)
Debbie Torkelson, Annandale, VA
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:6-7, NIV
Mandy, Watkinsville, GA
Psalm 92:4- “For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.” NASB
Susan
Cary NC
Blessed are those who trust in THE LORD, whose trust is in The Lord. Jeremiah 17:7 NRSV
Peggy
Mauriceville, Texas
James 4:8a
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
Kristen Keeling from Covington, Ga
“As they pass through the Baca Valley, he provides a spring for them. The rain even covers it with pools of water.” Psalm 84:6 (NET)
Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation. Luke 11:4
Sharon, McKinney, TX
Hebrews 10:24-25, NIV
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Denise, Davis, “Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the LORD our God.”.-Psalm 20:7 NASB
West Monroe, LA:
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
John 15:12 NIV
Zoe L from Oklahoma City:
I, I am he
who blots out your transgressions for my own sake,
and I will not remember your sins.
Isaiah 43:25, ESV
Stephanie, Lititz, PA
“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” Isaiah 58:8-10 NIV
Grace, age 5
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” Phil. 2:3 NLT
Celeste, Laguna Niguel, CA
For I AM the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you,
Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13
Anna Elkhart IN
John 15:14-15 NKJ
You areMy friends if you do whatever I command you.
No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing, but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.
Nampa, ID, Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me”. Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)
Philippians 2:13
For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
Kimberly,Watha,NC
26Â In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27Â and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans 8:26-27 NASB
Kristy from Cedar Park, Texas: Test all things. Hold on to what’s good. Stay away from every kind of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 HCSB
Kathleen, Tallahassee, FL:
“Both riches and honor come of You,
and You reign over all
and in Your hand is power and might;
and in Your hand it is to make good,
and to give strength to all.”
1 Chronicles 29:12 (NKJV)
Lacie|Seattle
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. -Proverbs 31:30
Nikki, Wichita.
“And the whole multitude sought to touch him; for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.” Luke 6:19 Webster’s Bible
Jeannette Z. Mission,TX
John 10:27 NKJV
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
Tera Ferguson
Gardendale, Alabama
Psalm 1:1 KJV
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
Sarah from Brownwood
1Cor. 13:7 N!LT
Love never gives up,
Never loses faith,
Is always hopeful,
And endures through every circumstance.
Katie UK.
“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
Miranda-Greenville,SC
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:17, 18 NIV)
Jackie UK
John 4 verse 10 The Message
So let God work His will in you
Yell a loud NO to the devil and watch him scamper.
Say a quiet YES to God and He will be there in no time.
Quit dabbling in sin.
Purify your inner life.
Quit playing the field.
Hit bottom and cry your eyes out.
The fun and games are over.
Get serious – really serious.
Get down on your knees before the Master.
It’s the only way you will get on your feet.
Shelley, Fort Walton Beach, Florida
“Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of The Lord our God.”
Psalm 20:7 (NASB)
Sara, Garden City, KS
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14 NIV)
Johanna, Carlsbad CA
Matthew 11:28 NIV
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Miriam, Columbia, SC
“Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being? This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.” Isaiah 66:2 (NIV)
Brenda Cousino, Frisco, Texas
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:27 ESV)
Shelley
Springfield, MO
Because we know that this extraordinary day is just ahead, we pray for you all the time—pray that our God will make you fit for what he’s called you to be, pray that he’ll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something. (2 Thessalonians 1:11MSG)
Pat, Hilliard OH
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2Peter 3:9 (NIV)
Tammy from Fort Myers, FL “Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.” Proverbs 4:23 HCSB
Ana, Tampa, FL
The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
1John 2:17 (NIV)
Suzanne Morton, Decatur, Texas
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 73:26 NIV
Bethany, Pittsburgh:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (James 1:2, 3 NIV)
Tara Allison
Columbia, SC
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
Psalm 55:22
Niv
Karen, Christy, Cheryl A Cord of Three Strands Jay, OK
Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but He will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds.
Hosea 6:1 NIV
I missed last months verse so I have 2 this month.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever” Hebrews 13:8
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” Psalm119:11
Maggie, SC
Deedi
Kodak, TN
Know therefore today, and lay it to your heart, that the Lord is God in heaven above and on earth beneath; there is no other.
Deuteronomy 4:39
ESV
Trish West Linn, Oregon
“In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.”
Job 12:10
Lora
Mooresburg
“Whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways.” Proverbs 14:2 NIV
Spring, TX
you may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
Ephesians 3:18 (NET)
Suzanne Houston, tx
“. . .let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” James 1:19