Two years ago I accepted a challenge that has radically changed my life! Beth Moore needed an accountability partner for 2009 to memorize scripture with and she chose her blog community of 'siestas.' Anyone was welcome to participate and it was a blast. I can't tell you how much I've learned and how many times the LORD brings a scripture to mind at just the right time~to encourage me or someone else. We celebrated keeping our commitment of memorizing 24 scriptures (2 per month) in January 2010 with worship, teaching, fun and the awesome power of hearing nothing but God's Word rising from 500 lips as we recited our verses to one another. WOW!!!
I knew if I laid scripture memory down for a time it would be easy for me to walk away from it altogether, so I've continued the practice of meditating on and memorizing 2 passaged a month for 2010. Well, the challenge is back! It's 2011 and the siestas are keeping one another accountable on Beth's Living Proof blog once more. Please join us!! We will celebrate the victory of this year together in January 2012 and I would love for you to be with us!
On that note, I've been quite late in posting my second December scripture, so here it is:
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 TNIV
"Hear O Israel: the LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates."
I knew much of these verses, but had never commit them to memory. Each time I read/say them, two words light up in my brain, "DON'T FORGET!" How many times do we fail to remember? Oh, how I pray we won't forget~for the sake of our children and our children's children.
And for January 1st...because, though many times we may forget, we ARE in a war~
Revelation 17:14 NLT
"Together they will go to war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them because He is Lord of all lords and King of all kings. And His called and chosen and faithful ones will be with Him."
May we live in victory through the power of His Spirit and bring much honor and glory to Him. He is worthy!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Friday, December 10, 2010
Narnia, Romans, & Relearning
I began reading C.S. Lewis’ “Chronicles of Narnia” with our boys several weeks ago. I never have read a single book from the series, but we have seen “The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe,” as well as “Prince Caspian,” so I thought the boys would really enjoy the adventure that lay within. We started our journey with “The Magician’s Nephew” since it tells of how Narnia, Aslan and the White Witch came to be. At one part, Aslan gives some of his creation the ability to speak and encourages them to treat the other created animals gently. But there is also a warning: “do not go back to their ways lest you cease to be Talking Beasts.” And the additional warning that that is possible to do so. A few pages later, Lewis points out: “Now the trouble with trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed.”
We were created with the wonderful ability to learn, but we can also unlearn those things by neglecting to use/practice them. How many of us rode a bike superbly as children, yet haven’t ridden one for 10+ years and now find the act more than a little daunting? How many times have I thought, “I’ll just let Mom hem these pants for me”? I could do it, I learned how to sew, but because I don’t get the sewing machine out and practice, I would have to relearn some things before I could sew a nice hem. And stupider??? I’m embarrassed to say I have finished watching several movies that I honestly felt stupider by the end.
I mention all this because I began reading Romans today. Verse 28 of chapter 1 tells us:
“Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.”
I must say, this scares me. Often times, I have asked myself {when thinking about the evil of trafficking in the world}, “HOW CAN SOMEONE DO THIS? HOW CAN THEY THINK THIS IS OKAY?” I think this verse helps explain. I cannot comprehend, nor will I ever be able to, the reasons why someone could treat another person harshly. However, Romans 1:28 tell us that when people don’t think God is worthwhile, eventually God will give them over to their own sinful minds, resulting in things that “ought not to be done.”
A scary thought, but here’s some hope. Remember how difficult it was to get back on that bike after years away? It may not have been the most graceful sight the first time, but I’m betting it came back to you rather quickly. That’s how it happened for Craig and me. Time away sets us back, but we CAN relearn. Praise God, He’s not through with us! We may step away, we may turn our back, we may “not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God.” But we CAN come back. Until the day we die, or Jesus comes back for us, we can grow in our knowledge of God and share His good news with those around us. May we do just that this Christmas season, for we have good news to shout about—a Savior has been born to us—He is Christ the Lord!
We were created with the wonderful ability to learn, but we can also unlearn those things by neglecting to use/practice them. How many of us rode a bike superbly as children, yet haven’t ridden one for 10+ years and now find the act more than a little daunting? How many times have I thought, “I’ll just let Mom hem these pants for me”? I could do it, I learned how to sew, but because I don’t get the sewing machine out and practice, I would have to relearn some things before I could sew a nice hem. And stupider??? I’m embarrassed to say I have finished watching several movies that I honestly felt stupider by the end.
I mention all this because I began reading Romans today. Verse 28 of chapter 1 tells us:
“Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.”
I must say, this scares me. Often times, I have asked myself {when thinking about the evil of trafficking in the world}, “HOW CAN SOMEONE DO THIS? HOW CAN THEY THINK THIS IS OKAY?” I think this verse helps explain. I cannot comprehend, nor will I ever be able to, the reasons why someone could treat another person harshly. However, Romans 1:28 tell us that when people don’t think God is worthwhile, eventually God will give them over to their own sinful minds, resulting in things that “ought not to be done.”
A scary thought, but here’s some hope. Remember how difficult it was to get back on that bike after years away? It may not have been the most graceful sight the first time, but I’m betting it came back to you rather quickly. That’s how it happened for Craig and me. Time away sets us back, but we CAN relearn. Praise God, He’s not through with us! We may step away, we may turn our back, we may “not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God.” But we CAN come back. Until the day we die, or Jesus comes back for us, we can grow in our knowledge of God and share His good news with those around us. May we do just that this Christmas season, for we have good news to shout about—a Savior has been born to us—He is Christ the Lord!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Scripture Memory Catch-Up
The last few months have been a time of learning--new roads, new area, new friends, LOTS of new names and faces. It's different here. Not better. Not worse. Just different. Our pace of life is different and, I pray, will slow down in just a few weeks. It's hard to realize, yet again, that I am not superwoman, or even supermom. I can't do all the things I think I should be able to do. And God is helping me see that He didn't make me to do all those things, either. Anyway, I thought I'd share the verses I've been working on over the last 6 weeks.
In light of election time, this is what I chose for November 1:
1 Peter 2:13-17 TNIV
Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of the foolish. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God's slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love your fellow believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
(emphasis mine)
I found this next verse months ago and tucked it in with 'verses I'd like to memorize.' November 15 felt like the right time.
Micah 7:18-19 TNIV
Who is a God like You, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; You will tread our sins underfoot and hurl our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
He doesn't have to. He could dust His hands and be finished with us. But He loves us and He's just waiting to separate us from the ick we've got all over us.
On to December 1st...I'ver heard this verse before, but while reading through 2 Timothy last week it struck me. Paul is giving Timothy instructions in being a minister of the Gospel, warning him about false teachers and sharing updates with Timothy about his own ministry. He loves Timothy as a father loves a son and urges him to come visit, then shares this:
2 Timothy 4:7-8 TNIV
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.
(emphasis mine)
That's what I want to be able to say at the end of my life. Not that I get a crown, although that will be wonderful. But that I have fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. Death makes me think about heaven. I have no real ideas of what heaven will be like--anytime I've tried to imagine it, my imaginations can't measure up to how good I know it will be. But God will be there. Jesus will be there. I can't remember a day in my life when I haven't known Him and He'll be there. That's all that really matters.
In light of election time, this is what I chose for November 1:
1 Peter 2:13-17 TNIV
Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of the foolish. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God's slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love your fellow believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
(emphasis mine)
I found this next verse months ago and tucked it in with 'verses I'd like to memorize.' November 15 felt like the right time.
Micah 7:18-19 TNIV
Who is a God like You, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; You will tread our sins underfoot and hurl our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
He doesn't have to. He could dust His hands and be finished with us. But He loves us and He's just waiting to separate us from the ick we've got all over us.
On to December 1st...I'ver heard this verse before, but while reading through 2 Timothy last week it struck me. Paul is giving Timothy instructions in being a minister of the Gospel, warning him about false teachers and sharing updates with Timothy about his own ministry. He loves Timothy as a father loves a son and urges him to come visit, then shares this:
2 Timothy 4:7-8 TNIV
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.
(emphasis mine)
That's what I want to be able to say at the end of my life. Not that I get a crown, although that will be wonderful. But that I have fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. Death makes me think about heaven. I have no real ideas of what heaven will be like--anytime I've tried to imagine it, my imaginations can't measure up to how good I know it will be. But God will be there. Jesus will be there. I can't remember a day in my life when I haven't known Him and He'll be there. That's all that really matters.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
15th Scripture Memory
While I allow Psalm 27 to perculate, I'll add this important reminder as well:
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
October...the first half
I seem to completely lose track of time when I see this screen, so between me trying to limit my opportunities for mysterious time disappearance and me just getting busy with daily stuff, I'm a bit late. I've continued working on Psalm 27 and have 10 of the 14 verses locked in. I truly hope you'll give scripture memory a go if you're reading this. I know it makes a difference. I have experienced the real benefits of being ready with scripture, as well as heard countless testimonies from dear friends. The enemy is constantly preparing attacks against us--God's Word is the sword we use to fight back. If we are not under attack, someone we know probably is and a scripture locked in our brain is an immeasurable help when they need encouragement and our Bible is not with us. Even in more calm times, God's Word is a great encouragement--once memorized, don't just set it aside, but continue to refresh your mind by reviewing those verses you've worked on. It's like sword practice...we sharpen our swords (our knowledge and understanding of God's Word) by memorizing, reviewing, muttering God's Word to ourselves, so that when the battle comes our swords are not rusty and too heavy for us. I don't know about you, but this is one warrior princess who wants to be ready.
Here's a bonus picture of our boys as knights just a few years ago:
Happy is he who knows how to use his sword!
Here's a bonus picture of our boys as knights just a few years ago:
Happy is he who knows how to use his sword!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
15th Scripture Memory
Now that we're packed, moved and unpacked and I've had a little more time to work on my previous verses, I'm ready to start working on Psalm 27. I'll post the entire psalm, although I'm not attempting to get the whole thing in my head within 2 weeks! My goal is to be purposeful in working on memorizing and understanding the psalm and allowing God to cement it in my mind and heart. Here it is in today's new international version:
Psalm 27
Of David.
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked advance against me
to devour me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.
4 One thing I ask from the LORD,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
7 Hear my voice when I call, LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
spouting malicious accusations.
13 I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
"I WILL SEE THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD IN THE LAND OF THE LIVING."
We can see His goodness...are we looking? We have experienced and watched others experience much pain and sadness these past several months. Even amidst the pain, we can see the goodness of the LORD in His provision of comfort, strength, and grace to make it through one more day. May we look around and see the "goodness of the LORD."
Psalm 27
Of David.
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked advance against me
to devour me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.
4 One thing I ask from the LORD,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
7 Hear my voice when I call, LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
spouting malicious accusations.
13 I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
"I WILL SEE THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD IN THE LAND OF THE LIVING."
We can see His goodness...are we looking? We have experienced and watched others experience much pain and sadness these past several months. Even amidst the pain, we can see the goodness of the LORD in His provision of comfort, strength, and grace to make it through one more day. May we look around and see the "goodness of the LORD."
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
1st Scripture Memory
Oh, my! These last several months have been wonderful...challenging...faith-building...overwhelming...and filled with God's faithfulness. I have needed every single scripture that I have been meditating on. God is so good.
I asked God to point me to the next scripture this morning, otherwise I would continue to solidify the ones I've recently been working on. I felt His peace. So for these next several days, I will review and read and speak these verses so I will be ready when I need them again (which will probably be VERY soon) for myself or a fellow sojourner.
I asked God to point me to the next scripture this morning, otherwise I would continue to solidify the ones I've recently been working on. I felt His peace. So for these next several days, I will review and read and speak these verses so I will be ready when I need them again (which will probably be VERY soon) for myself or a fellow sojourner.
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