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
Wendy Davis
Oriental, NC
In Him also we have obtained an inheritance having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will.
Ephesians 1:11 NASB
Midge in Snellville, Georgia
“For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand [anywhere else]; I would rather be a doorkeeper and stand at the threshold in the house of my God than to dwell [at ease] in the tents of wickedness.” Psalm 84:10 Amplified
Faye from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. (Isaiah 40:11 NIV)
Kelly from Spanish Fort, AL says ” Finally, be strong in the Lord and his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes.” Ephesians 6: 10-11 (NIV)
Amy Andrews, Bellaire, TX
I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand I shall not be moved.
Therefore, my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope.
Psalm 16:8-9. NKJV
Crystal in Castle Pines, CO
Galations 6:10 ESV
So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Riverside, CA
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
(Ephesians 5:1-2 NASB)
Jane from western Illinois
Psalm 24:1
The earth is the LORD’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;
NIV
Jacqui, Chester, UK
‘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 NIV
Carla, LaFayette, Al
He told them, the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest,therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Luke 10:2 NIV
Toni Sidler, Argyle, TX
“So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:17 NASB
Southern CA
“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 NIV
Kelly, Merritt Island, FL:
For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 1 Corinthians 1:25 NIV
Carol, Oak Park, CA
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
1 Peter 1:18&19 (NIV)
Leanna Reynolds Southlake, TX open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. Psalm 119:18 NIV
Judy ~ Simi Valley, CA
The Lord gives strength to his people, the LORD blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11 NIV
Jenny Manis, Granbury, TX, “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16 NKJV
Ann Royal Spring Lake N.C.
I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer,without anger or disputing. 1 Timothy 2:8 (NIV)
Kathleen-Amman, Jordan
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 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 1:5-6 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jas.1.5-6.niv
Sandra, Springville, Al
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.
1 John 3:16
NIV
Sheilah, Melbourne, FL
Psalm 90:17 (ESV) – Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!
Jodi, Sweetwater, TN – If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5 NIV
Gina
Rosamond, Ca
2 Timothy 1:7 NASB
For God has not given us a spirit of timidity but of power and love and discipline.
Brenda from Byhalia, MS
Philippians 1:6 Amplified “And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.”
Kathy Wilson, Chandler, AZ
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 NIV
Phoebe Cunningham, Tucson, AZ
“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” 1 Corinthians 13: 11 ESV
Sarah, St. Louis, MO
“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Mark 14:38, NKJV
Mitchell, MB, Canada – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
Patty Lincoln, Columbia, SC: “Behold I am going to send an angel before you to guard you along the way, and to bring you into the place which I have prepared.” Ex. 23:20 NASB
Kimberly Balles Rolling Meadows, IL
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 1:16 NIV
Lori McGahey; Nashville, TN; Ephesians 6:11 NKJV “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
Lu, Garner NC, Psalm 51:12 ( not sure which translation yet)
NET: Let me again experience the joy of your deliverance! Sustain me by giving me the desire to obey!
ESV: Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Job 5: 17-18 NIV
17 Blessed is the one whom God corrects,
so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.
18 For he wounds but he also binds up,
he injures but his hands also heal.
Janice in Abbeville, Al
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
II Corinthians 5:7 NKJV
Terri Assael – State College, PA
Quiet down before God,
be prayerful before him.
Don’t bother with those who climb the ladder,
who elbow their way to the top.
Psalm 37:7 – The Message
Sylvie Nicol, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada ♡
NIV John 10:10 • The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Kristin Kellett, Tulsa, OK. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way. It is not irritable or resentful. It does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. Love patiently accepts all things. It always trusts, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Becky Douglas, Houston TX
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.”
Ephesians 4:21 NLT
Jamie – Paramount, Ca
“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again–my Savior and my God!” Psalm 43:5 NLV
Cathy Birmingham, Al
Colossians 4:6 HCSB
Your speech should always be gracious seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV
Cindy-Richmond,Tx. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Judy C, New Braunfels, TX-
““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.””
John 16:33 NIV
Sherry McCurrie Russellville, AR
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:31-32
Sandy, Brookshire, Texas Colossians 3:12 “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience,” NASB
Laura Gilbert Arizona
Hebrews 11:6 NIV
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must be leave that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
erica Maynard Quincy, Illinois “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1 NIV
Ruth, Modesto, CA
“No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.”
1 John 4:12 NIV
Kristen Johnstone, Boulder, CO
Psalm 121 (NIV)
A song of ascents.
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Jann Sanicola Holtsville, New York
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”