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
Pam in Texas
A word fitly spoken
is like apples of gold
in a setting of silver.
Proverbs 25:11 (ESV)
Jill, Williamsburg,
I will instruct you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
Psalm 32:8 NIV
Therefore, as Godās chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.ā Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
Bobbie Puckett Ft. Worth, Texas
“For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the Heart. Hebrews 4:12 (NASB)
Connie
Greene IA
When our characters are refined, we learn what it means to hope and anticipate Godās goodness.
Romans 5:4b
The Voice
Jess R, Katy, Tx
…we also give glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. -Romans 5:3-4 NKJV
Jane from Calgary, Alberta
“For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him.” Colossians 1:19 (NASB)
Jill, Williamsburg
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
Psalm 32:8 NIV
Conyers,GA.
Isaiah 40:31 KJV
But they that wait upon The Lord, shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.
Ouida in Trenton,TX
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
and saved him out of all his troubles.
Psalm 34:6 (NASB)
Olivia, Madison, MS;
Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
1 Peter 5:9 ESV
Marilyn Wirsz Odessa, FL
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
COLOSSIANS 3:23 NLT
Susan Bymaster, Ames, OK
The Lord will fight for you, and there is no need for you to do anything.
Exodus 14:14
GNB
Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live,
but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh,
I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Chris, Seattle, WA
Jesus answered, “It is written: Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Matthew 4:4 NIV
āHoly, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty,
who was and is and is to come!ā
Revelation 4:8 ESV
Corinne in Chehalis, Washington
Beth, Toronto: “who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength, and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.” Hebrews 11:33,34 (NIV)
Colleen, Glen Ellyn, IL
Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Matthew 7:24 ESV
christina, Plano, Texas~
Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visibleāand everything that is illuminated becomes a light.
Ephesians 5:11-13, NIV1984
(Prayers to Mama Beth and family!!!)
Christy Jones, Summit, MS 39666; “I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8 NIV
Kathleen. Saint Joseph, Michigan
Psalm 145:18
The Lord is close to everyone who prays to Him, to all who truly pray to Him.
Beth. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Love you.
Jo Anne Chicago, IL
They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings–and with him will be his called, chosen, and faithful followers.
Revelation 17:14 NIV
Marilyn — Seattle
” And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Luke 12:25 ESV)
Dorinda, O’Fallon, MO. because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:3
Pat, Hot Springs, AR
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalms 46:1 KJV
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Ps. 139:24 NIV
Sarah B.
Portales, NM
Romans 12:9-13 ESV
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”
Kesley from Rome, GA
“Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry.” James 1:19 AMP
Elsie – Scottsbluff Nebraska
I Peter 5:8 (NASB)
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Charmaine, Miami, FL — “He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.” Isaiah 40:29 NKJV
Katy
Mount Juliet, TN
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:12 (NIV)
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. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1: 2-4 (NIV)
Susan, Knoxville
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 ESV
Gretchen, Gahanna, Ohio– But in fact, if you happen to suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. But do not be terrified of them or be shaken. But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess.
1 Peter 3:14-15 NET
good day ladies, it is raining here in texas and we really need ikt to rain all week… so prayers have been answered
here is my verse…jammes 2 26 FOR AS THE BODY WITHOUT THE SPIRIT S DEAD, SO FAITH WTHOUT WORK IS DEAD ALSO…. SO TRUE…
Debbie Weaver, Cumming, Georgia.
“For He chose us in Him beofre the creation of the world to be holy and blemaless in His sight. In love, He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will – to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves.” Ephesians 1:4-6 NIV
Tracey from Shawnee, Kansas
Psalm 1: 5-6 (NET)
For this reason the wicked cannot withstand judgment; nor can sinners join the assembly of the godly. Certainly the Lord guards the way of the godly, but the way of the wicked ends in destruction.
Lisa, Houston. “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.ā Exodus 14:14(NIV)
I love this verse!!! Last Nov., God literally used this verse to cause me to not perish in a terrible family ordeal. THANK YOU for posting it! Many Blessings
Isaiah 31:7 For in that day every man shall throw away his idols of silver and his idols of gold – sin, which your own hands have made for yourselves. NKJV
Imogene Austin, TX
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Romans 10:10 NIV
Linda W. from Tomball, TX
“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
Hebrews 12:11 (ESV)
Christina, Lancaster, CA
For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” But you were unwilling.
Isaiah 30:15 ESV
Linda, Dora, Al
Psalm 119: 105. KJV
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Meredith from Columbus, OH: Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. -1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT)
Isaiah 41:10 The Message
Don’t panic. I’m with you.
There’s no need to fear for I am your God.
I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you.
I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.
Cindy – Gilbertsville, KY
1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is Godās will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Christina, Tyler, TX
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (ESV)
Debbie, Fort Thomas, KY
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12 (NIV)
Lori Behrens
Granbury, Tx
Isaiah 46:9 (NASB)
“Remember the former things long past, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me,
It is senseless for you to work so hard from morning until late at night, fearing you will starve to death; for God wants His loved ones to get their proper rest.
Psalm 127:2 LB