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
Carol, Amarillo, TX “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
Nancy, West Grove, Pa.
He must become greater; I must become less.
John 3:30 NIV
Bambi-Houston
If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask Him, and He will gladly tell you, for He is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask Him; He will not resent it.
James 1:5 The Living Bible
Numbers 6:24-26
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
Romans 6:17, 18 KJV
Cheri
Louisville, KY
Lisa Lucas
Indianapolis, IN
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives.” (Colossians 3:16a NLT)
Lisa Curtis
Jackson, MO
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.
Colossians 3:15a
Christine, Leawood He delivered me from my strong enemy and from those who hated and abhorred me, for they were too strong for me. They confronted and came upon me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my stay and support. He brought me forth also into a large place, He was delivering me because He was pleased with me and delighted in me. The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands has He recompensed me. Psalm 18:17-20 (posts for May & June)
Rene’ Pingel, Cape Girardeau, MO
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
Cindy H – Gilbertsville, Ky
ERV Proverbs 23:24-25
The father of a good person is very happy. A wise child brings him joy. Make both of your parents happy. Give your mother that same joy.
“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always”.
Psalm 105:4
Andria from Northern VA:
Consider it pure joy my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds.
James 1:2 NIV
Kelly Aylward, Glenwood, MD,
” Then all your people will be righteous and they will possess the land forever. They are the shoot I have planted, the work of my hands for the DISPLAY OF MY SPLENDOR”.
Isaiah 60:21, NIV
Julia Stevens Hill — Anniston, Alabama
Hebrews 13:6 NIV
So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper;
I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?”
Whitney from Cape Girardeau, MO
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 6:12 NIV
Pat Stokes, Portland, Texas
Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 1 Peter 3:1-2 (NIV)
Audrey from Fayetteville, AR:
“Talk and act like a person expecting to be judged by the Rule that sets us free. For if you refuse to act kindly, you can hardly expect to be treated kindly. Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time.”
James 2:12-13 MSG
Anita
Amarillo, Texas
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your
ways my ways, declares the Lord.
Isaiah 55:8
NIV
Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Ephesians 4:29 NLT
Shelley, Shiloh, IL: “So then [God’s gift] is not a question of human will and human effort, but of God’s mercy.” Romans 9:16 Amplified
Ruth Hency, Oran, MO
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains but have not love, I am nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:2 NIV
Kelly Charlotte, NC
Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Luke 12:32 ESV
Judy of Marietta says: But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. James 3:17 NLT
Laura Hagedorn, Wausau, WI., The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.” Proverbs 4:7-9 (NIV)
Phyllis, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Amy
Birmingham, AL
“So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead even though the going is rough for awhile down here.”
I Peter 1:6 TLB
Melody
Myrtle Beach, SC
“I’ll put My Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and live by My commands.”
Ezekiel 36:27 MSG
Amanda, Clinton, MO
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
Psalm 46:5 NIV
Linda from Birmingham, Alabama
“I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His Word I put my hope.”
~~~Psalm 130:5. (NIV)
Amy, Houston;
When there are many words sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is wise. (Proverbs 10:9 HCSB)
Sheryl, PA
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.
Psalm 20:7-8 NIV
Debbie Nicholson
Gulfport, MS
This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Proverbs 3:8 NIV
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26. NIV
Lisa, West Des Moines, IA “Don’t let evil defeat you, but defeat evil with good.” Romans 12:21 (CEV)
Richelle, Kingston, TN
Pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)
Judith, Manhattan, KS
And I will put my Spirit into you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Ezekiel 36:27 NIV
Norfolk, VA
Psalm 37:3-4
Trust in The Lord and do good, dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in The Lord.and he will give you the desires of your heart.
NIV
Peggy, Corpus Christi, TX
But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.
Isaiah 64:8 ESV
Nona from Poplar Bluff, Mo.
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 NIV
Romans 12:10-11 (NIV)
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the lord.
Col. 2:6-7 “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” ESV
Jenni, Murray, KY
“Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward – to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” Philippians 3:13-14 MSG
Wendy Couper Peterborough Ontario Canada
The law of the Lord is perfect and preserves one’s life. The rules set down by the Lord are reliable and impart wisdom to the inexperienced. (Psalms 19:7 NET)
Jill Kline, Chillicothe, MO
“Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long”
Psalm 25:5, NIV
Amber, Norman, OK
Romans 8:6 (NIV)
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
Gretchen, Thousand Oaks, CA
Dueteronomy 31:6 NET
Be strong and courageous! Do not fear or tremble before them, for the Lord your God is the One who is going with you. He will not fail you or abandon you!
Tammy. Van, TX, Philippians 1:9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, NIV
Cheryl, Austin:
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Conyers, GA
Exodus 15:11 NIV
Who, among the Gods, is like you, O Lord? Who is like you? Majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22, 23 NIV)