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
Linda, Spring, Texas – A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:22 – ESV
Elizabeth Easley, SC
“This will be written for the generation to come, that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord.” Psalm 102:18
Psalm 139:12 NIV
even in the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day,for darkness is as light to you
Kim, Frankenmuth, MI:
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since lover covers a multitude of sins. -1 Peter 4:8 NIV
Prov. 14: 26 HCSB
In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence and his children have a refuge.
Kerry Buell, St. Louis, Missouri
“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”
Hebrews 1:14, NIV
Paula Schaper, Dickinson ND
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
Glo in Houston says:
Through Him you believe in GOD, who raised Him up from the dead and gave Him honor and glory, so that your faith and hope are in GOD.
1 Peter 1:21 (TAB)
Cheryl, Everett , 1Thess 5:23. ” I pray that God, who gives peace, will make you completely holy. And may your spirit, soul and body be kept healthy and faultless until our Lord Jesus Christ returns.” Thanks Beth your “Summer ” devotional really spoke to me
Marie-Franklin, TN
My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians4:19 NKJV
1 Peter 3:15 NIV
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
Michael Ann from Irvine, CA
Psalm 1:1-2 HCSB
How happy is the man
who does not follow the advice of the wicked
or take[b] the path of sinners
or join a group of mockers!
Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction,
and he meditates on it day and night.
Lori, Richmond, VA
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” I Peter 3:15NIV
Karie-Phoenix
Create in me a clean heart, O God.
Renew a loyal spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10 NLT
Judith, Orillia, Ontario, Canada, verse #12
2 Peter 1:6
“…and to knowledge, self control;
and to self control, perseverance, and to perseverance, godliness.”
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)
Katherine; Nipomo, CA
He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. James 1:18, NIV
Becky – Seminole, FL. In his heart a man plans his course; but The Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9
Phil. 4:6 – 7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace that passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Sherree from Mansfield, TX
“You’re my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your Word to renew me.” Psalm 119:114 MSG
Rebecca, Mobile Al
If its disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve The Lord.
Joshua 24:15
Courtney Head, Little Rock AR
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 Jesus.”
“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” I Cor. 13:12 NIV
Brittany, Norfolk, NE- For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.
Hosea 6:6 NIV
Psalm 40:3 The Message
“He taught me how to sing the latest God-song, a praise song to our God. More and more people are seeing this: they enter the mystery, abandoning themselves to God.”
Sandy, Lexington, KY
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 (NIV)
Ronda, Tulsa: “Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly; the prudent quietly shrug off insults.” Prov 12:16, The Message
Amy, Pratt, Ks
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 NIV
Jodi from DFW, But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:32 NIV)
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
Christy, Zionsville, IN:
Colossians 1:13-14, NIV
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Martinez, Georgia
Ps 143:8 NIV
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love
for I have put my trust in you Show me the way I should go for to you I lift up my soul.
Psalm 31:15 “My future is in Your hands.”
Kim – St. Louis, MO 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. 2 Cor 10:4-6 NKJV
Hey beautiful Siestas! Did you know that when one clicks on the Siesta Memory Team link on the side column of the blog it takes you back to the April 15th post? I always have to dig a bit to get to the current post. I’ve wanted to tell you about this for two months and am now finally remembering to do it. Can that be fixed? Maybe I’m just blog-challenged but it would sure make posting a lot easier. Thanks, and love to you all! You’re a constant blessing to millions of thirsty souls.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 NIV
Carolyn, Rocksprings, TX
You adulterous people,don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.James 4:4 (NIV)
Ainslie, Columbia SC
“Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked.” ~Psalm 37:16 NIV
Talia; Cincinnati Ohio
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. 2 Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation. Hebrews 11:1-2 (NLT)
Tajuana ~ Texas
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
John 8:36 NIV
Kristi, Scottsdale, AZ
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV)
Laura from Nokia, Finland
However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him— (1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV)
NIV Romans12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, Faithful in prayer
NIV Romans12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, Faithful in prayer
Diana. From Bridge City Tx
Heather H. from Pflugerville, TX
1 Chronicles 29:11 (NIV)
Yours, O 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, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.
Valerie, Fultondale, AL
“Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.” Psalm 147:5 NIV
Tammy from Fairhope. “In his heart a man plans his course, but The Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
Since I am behind but not… I will share my verses. I will be memorizing the chapter of Psalm 139, 138, 32 and Isaiah 53. But, will share just the first 12 verse of Psalm 139 since I know it is scripture 12. I wanted to memorized chapters and each verse in Psalm 139 has been on of the most special to me. Thank you and love you Beth!
1. “Oh LORD, thou hast searched me and known me.
2. Thou, knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
3. Thou compassest my path and my lying down and art aquainted with all my ways.
4. For there is not a word in my tongue but lo oh LORD thou knowest it altogether.
5. Thou, has beset me behind and before and laid thine hand upon me.
6. Such knowledge is too wonderful it is high I cannot attain into it.
7. Whether shall I go from thy spirit or whether shall I flee from thy presense?
8. If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there. If I make my bed in hell, behold thou art there.
9. If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
10. Even there shall they hand lead me and thy right hand shall hold me.
11. If I say surely the darkness shall cover me, even the night shall be light about me.
12. Yea the darkness hideth not from thee, but the night shineth as the day: The darkness and the light are both alike to thee.” Psalm 139:1-12
Allison Ashton
Houston, Texas
KJV
I know I signed in the beginning of the year!
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Romans 15:13 ESV
Jen Lee, Ames, Iowa: “He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.” Daniel 2:22 (NET)