Hey sweet siestas!
How much fun is this? Can we all just stop for a minute and thank our beloved leader, Bible teacher and yes, friend, for spurring us on in this world of scripture memory? I fail every time on my own. We need our people to conquer this task, don’t we? I’m good for a couple of months and then I flat out quit and blame it on something other than myself. But, I won’t quit if I have y’all! I’m thankful for this community. I’m thankful for the accountability. Memorizing scripture has transformed my heart and mind…the Word is living, and we have the privilege to breathe it in when we open those sacred pages and be changed from the inside out.
Something that I have done as I have memorized scripture is to write a brief synopsis of why I chose the verse on the back of the index card. I also date it. At the end of the year, it’s so powerful to go back and read a mini-journal of God’s faithfulness and the journey you’ve taken together that particular year. Go back and do that if you haven’t done it already. I’ll bet it won’t take you long to recall why you picked a particular verse. It will be a sweet gift to read through at the end of 2015.
Ok, my name is Fran Thomas and I’ve been married to Chip for 21 years! That’s crazy to me! I swear I’m still 30-something. We have 3 teenage boys. That’s another kind of crazy! Our oldest is 18. (Insert tears of high school graduation, starting college and hoping you can cook and do laundry on your own) It’s nuts, y’all. Savor the moments, mommas. It flies.
We are living life in Jackson, TN, and I love our community of people here. I work at Union University, teach college girls on Sunday mornings, sing in the choir, and serve with our jail ministry at Englewood Baptist Church. I am also a partner in a non-profit ministry with my two best friends, Christy and Robyn, that we founded called “More than a Mission Trip.” Our heart is missions in every form and fashion. Our heart is for the lost, the saved who are lost, God’s precious people at the ends of the earth and those who are around the corner. Our desire is to encourage other women to serve God locally and globally…there is no better time than NOW to love, obey and serve Him with all we have! We can’t question or delay what God clearly calls us to do.
So how appropriate for me to choose a verse that has me in a season of being scared to death of what God has called me to do. Would this be the Christian “pot calling the kettle black” or what? I like safe and comfy just like you do. It’s predictable and doesn’t make my stomach hurt. I know the scriptural promises from Him, but there is simply something terrifying about taking new steps with Him after a season of predictability. *sigh*
So, we press on, sisters. We believe Him and take Him at His word. I’m doing this even with the butterflies alive and churning about! Unfortunately, I think I have an unbelief issue right now, but I’m choosing to believe Him for this season because He is able! He is faithful… Me? Not so much. He never fails. NEVER.
“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” James 1:6
I don’t want to doubt or be tossed around because of my unbelief. I want my feet to be steady and secure in Him, His voice, and His direction. I really want to believe Him and trust Him even with these butterflies during this new season. I don’t just want to say, “Yes, Lord I believe you,” but it only be a temporary belief or trust. We’ll start strong and then fade, don’t we?
Lord, help my unbelief.
It’s easy to say, “Sure, I’ll get out of the boat, and walk toward Jesus,” but it’s a whole other thing to actually put the feet into motion, isn’t it? Let’s not be tossed around, sisters. Let’s walk by faith and take Him at His Word. Let’s choose to believe Him girls!! Declare it even when we don’t feel it. We’ll begin to believe what we know and speak over that situation. Let’s declare the Truth that we are hiding in our hearts.
Y’all are such a blast! Hang in there and march on strong and steady because we are MORE than conquerors! We CAN do this because He WILL show us the way! He will NOT leave us! He WILL show Himself faithful! He has good plans for this season! He will NOT harm us! And on and on and on the promises go. Declare them. Believe them.
It’s such an honor to journey alongside you. I will be your biggest fan and cheer you on like nobody’s business. Fix those pretty eyes on Jesus and let’s run our race well. I’m praying for us all. I desperately need Jesus and His Word.
Love y’all,
Fran
Whitney Holder, Wilmington, NC. “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”
James 1:2-3 NKJV
Melissa Evans, Lexington, KY
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “today”, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:13 NIV
Renee, Rockford, MI
If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 (TLB)
Karen E., Richardson, TX
The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.
Psalm 34: 15 – NKJV
Brandi Mincey, Hope Mills, NC
As a teacher in light of the new school year…
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
Proverbs 31:26
NIV
Anna Lynch
Greensboro, NC
“just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love”
Ephesians 1:4
Heather Smith
Nashville, TN
“You publicly proclaim bold promises.
You do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner.
You would not have told the people of Osrael to seek You
if You could not be found.”
-Isaiah 45:19 (NLT)
Barbara Q, West Point, GA
1Peter 5:8 NIV
– Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Alesha, Charlotte, NC
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather serve one another humbly in love.” Galatians 5:13 NIV
Whitney from Russellville, TN
I will take my stand at my watchpost and station myself on the tower, and look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint.
Habakkuk 2:1. ESV
Roxanne, Houghton Lake, MI
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be
dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Doris, Madison, MS
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
Psalm 139:14 (KJV)
Keron, Boise Idaho
Let love be genuine.
Abhor what is evil;
hold fast to what is good.
Romans 12:9 ESV
Nikki Gack, Park Rapids, MN
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10 NIV
Jill Greer, Medina, TN:
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV
Brittney Zimprich, Ellensburg, WA
…he will swallowl up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The LORD has spoken.
Isaiah 25:8 NIV
Melody
Myrtle Beach, SC
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 NLT
Fran Scott, Stafford TX Joshua 1:8 KJV
This book of law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Beverly Wegner – Jackson, TN
“In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him Who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will, in order that we who were the first to hope in Christ, might be For The PRAISE OF HIS GLORY!”
-Eph. 1:11-12 NIV
Ellen Dark, Sarnia, ON
one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:6 NIV
Jackie Houser, Pikeville, NC: The life of mortals is like grass,they flourish like a flower of the field; Psalm 103:15 NIV. I am memorizing Psalm 103 during 2015.
Michelle, Fort Collins, Colorado
“I can do all things through Jesus Christ, who gives me strength”
Philippians 4:13 NRSV
Izora Browning Midland Texas
Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord,for heis good; his love endures forever. Ps.106:1 NIV
Marsha R. Lexington Park, MD
My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.
Psalm 63;8 ESV
August 1 – (forgot to log on) Everyone tried to touch him because healing power went out from him, and he healed everyone. Luke 6:19
August 15 — The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7
Lauren Kennedy, Denham Springs, LA
Michelle Rodriguez Beavercreek, OH
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 NIV
Becky,
Scottsdale,AZ
“Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.
Put on your new nature, created to be like God–truly righteous and holy.”
Ephesians 4:23-24 NLT
Delores Perley, El Cajon, CA
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:27 (NASB)
Debbie, Forest City,NC
When my anxious thoughts multiply within me
Your consolations delight my soul.
Psalm 94:19 (NASB)
Pat Tilson, Fort Worth, TX: For You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. (Psalm 32:7 NLT)
Sue Big Rapids, MI
Hebrews 13:15,16 ESV
Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Kerry from Houston, TX:
(continuing to memorize the Beatitudes)
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:10 NASB
Samantha from Texarkana, AR
“Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.”
Psalm 108:2 NIV
Vicksburg, MS
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.
3 John 11
NAS
Sheri
Georgetown, TX
There is no one holy like the Lord; indeed there is no one besides You, nor is there any other rock like our God. I Samuel 2:2 (NASB)
Ashley Edwards, Chelsea, Alabama
“For the pagans run after all these things and your heavenly Father knows you need them.” Matthew 6:32 (NIV)
Anne, Athens ,Greece – Deuteronomy 32:47 NLT
These instructions are not empty words – they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land . .
Lynn Hartselle – Huntsville, AL
Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Ephesians 4:30
Kerry Babb, Houston, Texas
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31 (NIV)
I know this isn’t what I’m ‘sposed to do…but Fran! I went to Lambuth in Jackson about 12 years ago, and I went to Englewood a few times! If you happen to know a Mrs. Lisa who led weekly chapel sessions for the LU girls basketball team, I would be BEYOND greatful to reconnect with her! I don’t remember her last name…not even sure if she attended Englewood, but it’s worth asking, right?
Blessings to you, and thanks for your post!
Cindee Johnson
Portageville, Mo
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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
Sharon Mills
Henderson, NV
JN 11:40 NIV
“Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8 NIV
http://bible.com/111/php.4.8.niv
Teresa Cianciotto, Dickinson, TX “When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I for you have been my refuge and strong tower against the enemy.” Ps 61:2-3 ESV
Gabby Cianciotto, Dickinson, TX “Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” Ps 30:15 NIV
Ruth Morrison – Sherwood, OR
“If you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2: 3-5
Tammy Price, Myrtle Beach, SC. “I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil 1:6)
Apryl-Raleigh I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things;
Isaiah 25:1 NKJV
Raleigh, NC
Margie Davis, Beaverton, Oregon
So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
I Peter 4:19 (NIV)
Beth Belflower
Caddo Mills, Texas
Genesis 1:11 And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. (ESV)