My Dear Sisters, just as I was writing this post to you, a family urgency arose and I’m not going to be able to finish it. I’ve erased it and, in its place, put the segment of Scripture that I shared today in staff time before I got news of a serious family need. By faith, I choose to believe that this was what our gracious God wanted you to have today. It is a beautiful segment from Isaiah 41 that spoke very richly to us in staff and I pray will minister to you. (Vv.8-16) In it God is addressing Israel but, as you will see, many of the truths He speaks over them in this chapter concerning His heart toward them and His promise to help are echoed in the New Testament to believers under Christ’s new covenant.Ā If you have a more formal translation like the ESV, consider reading it first then below you’ll find the portion in Eugene Peterson’s translation, The Message. Its vivid language jumped out at me and really tended to my soul. My staff and I printed it out and circled parts of it that the Holy Spirit brought to life in our own hearts and minds and amid our own circumstances. We also wrote notes in the margins and reminders of other coinciding verses and then, in our closing prayer, we let the passages guide our intercessions. You might consider doing the same thing. The two simple words “don’t panic” leapt off the page at me. So did this: “I, God, want to reassure you.” Thank You, thank You, Lord.
Here it is and you’ll find my SSMT entry at the end of the post.
Isaiah 41:8-16 The Message
8ā10Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āBut you, Israel, are my servant.
Youāre Jacob, my first choice,
descendants of my good friend Abraham.
I pulled you in from all over the world,
called you in from every dark corner of the earth,
Telling you, āYouāre my servant, serving on my side.
Iāve picked you. I havenāt dropped you.ā
Donāt panic. Iām with you.
Thereās no need to fear for Iām your God.
Iāll give you strength. Iāll help you.
Iāll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.
11ā13Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āCount on it: Everyone who had it in for you
will end up out in the coldā
real losers.
Those who worked against you
will end up empty-handedā
nothing to show for their lives.
When you go out looking for your old adversaries
you wonāt find themā
Not a trace of your old enemies,
not even a memory.
Thatās right. Because I, your GOD,
have a firm grip on you and Iām not letting go.
Iām telling you, āDonāt panic.
Iām right here to help you.ā
14ā16Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āDo you feel like a lowly worm, Jacob?
Donāt be afraid.
Feel like a fragile insect, Israel?
Iāll help you.
I, GOD, want to reassure you.
The God who buys you back, The Holy of Israel.
Iām transforming you from worm to harrow,
from insect to iron.
As a sharp-toothed harrow youāll smooth out the mountains,
turn those tough old hills into loamy soil.
Youāll open the rough ground to the weather,
to the blasts of sun and wind and rain.
But youāll be confident and exuberant,
expansive in The Holy of Israel!
Peterson, E. H. (2005). The Message: the Bible in contemporary language (Is 41:8ā16). Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.
For my SSMT selection, this is the portion I have next in my memory work out of the Book of Colossians:
Beth, Houston. For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 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. Colossians 2:1-2
I love you guys so much. Let’s press on with eyes of faith, Sisters. He who calls us is faithful!
Tags: Scripture Memory 2013
Esther, jonesborouh TN. Jeremiah 31:25 (ESV). For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.
Johanna
Carlsbad, CA
Proverbs 14: 30 (NIV)
“A heart at peace gives life to the body,
But envy rots the bones.”
Patti, Shalimar, FL, “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)
Barb, Urbandale, IA
…for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Romans 8:13 NAS
Peggy – Bangor, Maine
But He said to me, āMy grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.ā Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christās power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
Janet Anderson
Edmond, OK
For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for hose at Loadicea and for all who hve not seen me face to face, that their heart 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.
Collossians 2:1-2
Schel, Bayou Vista, TX “Onthe day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased” – Psalm 138:3 (ESV)
Mary Beth, Chiang Mai, Thailand, Hebrews 9:14 NIV
How much more, then will the blood of Christ, who thru the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God.
debbie jo, greenwood, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:36 (NIV)
Laura Beth, Jackson
Psalm 107:1, NLT
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever.
Jennifer, Denham Springs, LA, NIV
Then Moses said to him, āIf your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. Exodus 33:15
Christy
Fayetteville, AR
Romans 15:13 NIV
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy & peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13 NIV
Old NIV says “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27a
Jennifer, Canfield, OH
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27a
Mary Nelle, Youngstown, OH
Judy Cottageville, WV KJV
Psm 37:3 “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Beth, Fountain Inn, Ephesians 1:11 ESV
in Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of His will
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NIV
Pat, Littlefield, Tx.
“And they were calling to one another: Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord Almighty, the whole earth is full of His glory.”
Isaiah 6:3 NIV
Gail
San Antonio, Texas
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Psalms 103:11,12. (NIV)
Carol, Poplar Bluff
Then Jesus said to her, “your sins are forgiven.”
Luke 7:48 niv
Vivian, Birmingham, Alabama
For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 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 Godās mystery, which is Christ.
Colossians 2:1-2 ESV
Ann, Cataula, GA
Matthew 12:21 (NLT)
And his name will be the hope of all the world.
Kim Safina
Central Coast of California
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Linda from North Fort Myers, FL “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11
NKJV
Ouch! I’m really late!
Angie McDermid, Chilliwack, BC, Canada
āAlways be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is Godās will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.ā 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)
Sandy from Long Beach, CA.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10 NIV
Kristy from Cedar Park, Texas: For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. Romans 6:14, NIV
Phil 4:8-9 (NIV and NET)
Finally brothers, whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. And, what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you.
Traci
Knoxville, TN
Lyli, Fort Lauderdale (finally caught up!!! Yeah!):
“Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:5, NASB).
Kim from Bloomington, IL
Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech will have the king as a friend.
— Proverbs 22:11 NLT
Amy from Noble,OK
Ephesians 6:17
“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”
(NIV)
Matthew 12:34B
For the mouth speaks what the the heart is full of.
Lisa S. in Montgomery, TX
Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23
Elise–Newark
Katherine Atlanta, GA
Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end –
Isaiah 43: 1-2 The Message
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. And we all who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 NIV
Karen F from Unionville, PA
Ephesians 4:3 (NIV)
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ali – Clearwater, FL
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Sorry, I’m so embarrassingly late š
“Depend on the Lord. Trust in him, and he will help you. He will make it as clear as day that you are right.
Everyone will see that you are being fair.
Trust in the Lord and wait quietly for his help.”
Psalm 37: 5 – 7a
Poorna Diaz,
Reston, Va
Tillie, Spring Branch, TX
John 14:6
“Jesus answered, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.””
(NIV)
Anita, Big River, Saskatchewan, Canada
“Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.”
Psalm 90: 1 ESV
Theresa – Pace, Fl
James 2:13
NIV
MERCY TRIUMPHS OVER JUDGEMENT!
Joanne, Callahan, FL
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV
Psalm 121:3 (NLT)
He will not let you stumble, the one who watches over you will not slumber. AMEN!!!
Melanie, Arkansas
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Proverbs 22:6 NKJV
“I will praise the name of GOD with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 69:30 NKJV
Lori, Richmond, VA
“And take every thought captive to obey Christ” 2 Cor. 10:5b. ESV
Soozi, Lexington, KY. Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you. Isaiah 41:10 The Message
Jen Evans Seville Ohio .Romans 6:13b (NLT)
“Give yourselves completely to God since you have been given new life.”
Matthew 6:1 NIV
Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10
No eye has seen
No ear has heard
No mind has conceived
what God has prepared for
those who love him
But God has revealed it
to us by his Spirit.
Coral, Jacksonville, Florida
Proverbs 9:10
Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. (New Living Translation)