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
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27 NIV
Debbie, Fairfax, VA
Like apples of gold in settings of silver, so is a word skillfully spoken. Proverbs 25:11 {NET}
Hannah from Bolingbrook,IL
Do everything without complaining and arguing.
Philippians 2:14, NLT
Tara from Bolingbrook,IL
Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
Proverbs 16:24, NLT
Chelsey S. from Amarillo, TX
“For, all men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.” 1 Peter 1:24-25 (NIV)
Debbie, Rochester, MN
But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. 1 Jn 1:7 (NLT)
But if we refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:15 (NLT)
Leigh Ann
Gallatin, TN
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalms 91:1
But as for me, God’s presence is all I need. I have made the sovereign Lord my shelter, as I declare all the things you have done. Psalm 73:28 NET
Megan, Houston
My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. (Psalms 84:2 ESV)
Elizabeth from Searcy, Arkansas
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12 NIV)
LaGlace, Alberta, Canada
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
Elsie B. Abbotsford, BC Canada
For I am the lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear; I will hlep you.” (Isaiah 41:13 NIV)
Debra-Many, La
“Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2 HSCB
Nancy, Grand Haven, MI
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
John 10:28 (KJV)
Ephesians 6:12 NIV
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but aainst the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Gina, Waynesville, NC
And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. Philemon 1:6 NLT
Scarlett Flynn (Round Rock, TX)
“We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders.” (Psalm 78:4, NLT)
Rhonda – Winchester,KY
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6 NIV
Danielle S.
Garden City, KS
Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Whitney N., Nashville, TN, “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, Sugar Land, TX
“He will have no fear of bad news, his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” Psalms 112:7, NIV
Janice, Bakersfield, CA
Through him all things were made;
Without him nothing was made that has been made.
John 1:3
Watauga, TX
Isaiah 60:6 (The VOICE) “Herd after herd of camels will cover the land, caravans arriving daily from south and southwest: Midian, Ephah, Even Sheba with gifts of gold and frankincense. The will announce for all the world to hear, ‘The Eternal be praised!'”
Kathie Mullins, Chino Hills, CA
James 1:26-27 (NIV)
26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Lynn ~ Orlando, FL
“But in your hearts set apart 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.” ~ 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
Susie, Moultrie,GA
But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
1 John 1:7 HCSB
Rhonda, Anderson, IN
Proverbs 4:23 HCSB
Guard your heart abouve all else, for it is the source of life.
Jennifer, Tyler TX
Isaiah 41:13 (MSG)
Because I, your God, have a firm grip on you and I’m not letting go.
I’m telling you, “Don’t panic. I’m right here to help you.”
Beth, LaGrange, GA
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace Ephesians 6:15 KJV
“Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us (upon me) and establish the works of our hands (my hands).” parentheses mine
Psalm 90:17a (NIV)
Abby Kaufman
Vacaville CA
Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
Matthew 6:27, NIV
Stephanie Jo
Corvallis OR
My heart says of You, “Seek His face!”
Your face Lord, I will seek.
Psalm 27:8 NIV
Kerre, Chattanooga,Tn. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17. ESV
Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV)
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Marcia from Windermere, FL
“It (love) does not demand its own way. It is not irratable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.”
I Cor. 13:5 (NLT)
Kylie, Wichita, KS
Colossians 4:6 (NIV)
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Elena, Elma, NY
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
“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.”
Jolie – Cottage Grove, MN
Psalm 147:11 ESV
The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.
Pamela, La Ceiba, Honduras
being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; Phil 1:6 NKJV
Emily Byrd; Baton Rouge, LA
Your lovingkindness, O Lord, extends to the heavens,
Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
Your righteousness is like the might mountains of God;
Your judgments are like a great deep.
Psalm 36: 5-6
New American Standard
Pam, Campbellsburg,In For the Lord Most High is Awesome, the great King over all the earth.. Psalm 47;2 NIV
Becky Wang, Ohio
But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like clves from the stall.
Malachi 4:2 ESV
Becky Wang, Ohio
But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.
Malachi 4:2 ESV
Penny, Cincinnati. “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32 NLT
Daphne, Baker City, OR – Ps 16:8 (ESV)
I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Debbie Laureen, New Port Richey, FL
“My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” Psalm 63:8 NIV
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1Peter 3:9 NIV
Stephanie from St. Catharines, ON
Colossians 2:2 NIV
My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, (3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.)
Marti, Loganville, ga
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 NIV