Pop Quiz!
5 hours up. Comments now closed. This is one of my favorite sets of comments EVER. I have such a respect for your relationships with Christ. Keep seeking Him and finding Him, Beloved Ones. You are the apple of His eye. We will announce the winner of the new ESV Study Bible tomorrow. Thank you so much for your participation on this post. If I could send every single one of you this new Bible, I'd do it in a heart beat. I love you so.
Hi, Siestas!
This is a pop quiz! Who got into the Word this morning? If you did, stay tuned to the remainder of this post and find out what we want you to do. If there is anything on earth Living Proof Ministries exists to do, it’s to encourage people to get into God’s Word and come to love Him through its life-breathing pages. I am a huge believer in starting the day with Christ in Scripture even if we only have ten minutes. I love Isaiah 50:4! It says, “The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.” SO, if you made time for a Word from God this morning, here’s what we’d like you to do. Please post a BRIEF comment with the following information:
1. One verse from your quiet time, written out for your Siestas to read and receive. (Even if you read a whole chapter, please write out only one of the Scriptures. It will be fun to see if any of us read the same segment!)
2. A one-sentence description of something you got from your time with God this morning (i.e., the assurance that He’s still on His Throne, or that He wants you to follow through with something, or that He’s simply with you in your struggle, etc.).
Absolutely no condemnation for those that didn’t get a chance to get into Scripture this morning; BUT, we are asking that all comments to this post be limited to ONLY THOSE WHO DID. We're doing a drawing from those entries. We are giving away a copy of the brand new ESV Study Bible that hit the shelves only two weeks ago. We’ve been talking in our Lit class about the importance of reading several different versions especially if you’ve become so familiar with one that you can nearly anticipate what familiar portions are going to say. Not only is the ESV a great translation, this one is complete with study notes. SO, every siesta who had her quiet time this morning and posts her comment will automatically have a chance at the drawing. Get on quickly because we’re closing this post in five hours!! That’s the “pop” part in this quiz. We’ll post the winner of the new ESV Study Bible tomorrow and ask for her to contact us with her address. I love little incentives like this. Hope you do, too!
I love you, Siestas! Stay in the Word! You never know what God may have for you!
This is a pop quiz! Who got into the Word this morning? If you did, stay tuned to the remainder of this post and find out what we want you to do. If there is anything on earth Living Proof Ministries exists to do, it’s to encourage people to get into God’s Word and come to love Him through its life-breathing pages. I am a huge believer in starting the day with Christ in Scripture even if we only have ten minutes. I love Isaiah 50:4! It says, “The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.” SO, if you made time for a Word from God this morning, here’s what we’d like you to do. Please post a BRIEF comment with the following information:
1. One verse from your quiet time, written out for your Siestas to read and receive. (Even if you read a whole chapter, please write out only one of the Scriptures. It will be fun to see if any of us read the same segment!)
2. A one-sentence description of something you got from your time with God this morning (i.e., the assurance that He’s still on His Throne, or that He wants you to follow through with something, or that He’s simply with you in your struggle, etc.).
Absolutely no condemnation for those that didn’t get a chance to get into Scripture this morning; BUT, we are asking that all comments to this post be limited to ONLY THOSE WHO DID. We're doing a drawing from those entries. We are giving away a copy of the brand new ESV Study Bible that hit the shelves only two weeks ago. We’ve been talking in our Lit class about the importance of reading several different versions especially if you’ve become so familiar with one that you can nearly anticipate what familiar portions are going to say. Not only is the ESV a great translation, this one is complete with study notes. SO, every siesta who had her quiet time this morning and posts her comment will automatically have a chance at the drawing. Get on quickly because we’re closing this post in five hours!! That’s the “pop” part in this quiz. We’ll post the winner of the new ESV Study Bible tomorrow and ask for her to contact us with her address. I love little incentives like this. Hope you do, too!
I love you, Siestas! Stay in the Word! You never know what God may have for you!
PS. Only 45 minutes have passed and, Sisters, these entries are FANTASTIC!! I am so blessed by all those Scriptures and by how God is speaking them over you. Take a few minutes and read all of these, Siestas! It's like eating off each other's plates! You're also keeping them to the perfect length. Way to go!! Keep them coming. (Only one entry per person, of course) You have till 7:00 PM CST until the comments close. I LOVE THIS ONE!
Labels: Beth
posted by Beth @ 2:00 PM
382 Comments
382 Comments:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
This was the WORD God gave to hubby and I on New Year's Day as we started serving in a new church plant and God has been constantly reminding me of this verse ever since!
Prov. 27:23-24a "Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever"
God has been greatly blessing us lately but this reminded me of my responsibility to be a diligent steward of all that He gives in good times to be ready to bless others at all times.
Beth Madison
1) Hebrews 4: 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
2) It encouraged me to seek God throughout this day; I just love "approach with confidence", it pushes me towards God.
My quiet time verse was from 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 "Make it my ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind my own business and to work with my hands, just as we told you, so that my daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that I will not be dependant on anybody."
I have been feeling convicted to control my tongue and what my ears hear at the bus stop since school started. I love it when Jesus whispers a sweet verse to my heart.
Blessings to all! Christine
1 Kings 9:3 NIV
The LORD said to him: “I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my Name there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.
God heard my cry... entered my heart and will stay there always!!!
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:6
I thank God for the Good Shepherd who gently guides me back to the right path whenever I go astray, as we all do from time to time, and I thank Him for the Savior who paid the penalty for my sin.
Linda in Pa.
"If you keep My commandments, you will abide in my love."
I got out of this that I will not know HIS commandments if I am not in HIS word. I love it so - and I am reminded that if we think things look bleak now, look how God worked miracles when HE allowed the Israelites to cross the Red Sea on DRY GROUND with the Egyptians hot on their heels. God led them in a specific way - it looked like there was no way out, but with God, when we obey, HE rewards our obedience.
Pam Murray - misspamela50@yahoo.com
2 Corinthians 3:18
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
What I got out of my time today was an overwhelming sense of His glory and presence. It was a sweet time of intimacy.
-Wendy
God said to Solomon, "Since this is your heart's desire and you have not asked for wealth, riches or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, riches and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have."
2 Chronicles 1:11-12
I am going to vote today; it was such a timely reminder of what is important in a candidate. AND, I teach high school students all day every day- nothing is more valuable in my job than wisdom and knowledge- and I'm not talking about in the subject I teach!
". . .'I am your servant Ruth,' she said. 'Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a kinsman-redeemer.'" Ruth 3:9
God reminded me that I too have a kinsman-redeemer who longs to spread His garment over me and wrap me in the security of His wings.
Yes I had my quiet time with my Savior early this morning before heading off to work. I was troubled about my prodigal and felt the Lord lead me Isaiah 57;18
"I have seen his ways, and will heal him; I will also lead him, And restore comforts to him and to his mourners." I accept this as a word of hope to my heart. And now I passing it on to those who prodigals and need the gift of hope today. His daughter, Roxz
I started week 4 of Believing God "online group!" today. So today I watched the video and did Day 1 of the study. ONE verse that really spoke to my heart was
Romans 4:7 "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, who sins are covered."
I am so thankful that the Lord forgives not only general sin, but the ones that we had premeditated! Praise Jesus! We are so unworthy, yet totally worthy to Him! Halleliujah! I praise Jesus that He doesn't count backwards and only counts those opportunities that we have to believe Him. I am prayerfully accepting all of those. I am 30 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer a month ago, and the only thing that has gotten me through is God's love and strength. He is totally carrying me. Thank you Lord!
Proverbs 25:4 - Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel...
I want to be a useful vessel for the Lord, so I think He's got some
dross to deal with in me. But it's encouraging to think that He's at work in me so that I will be able to better serve Him.
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." Luke 15:20
Such a familiar story for most of us, but I am always amazed at how ALIVE God's word is, and the same passage can come at you from different angles. This morning it was was mostly awe. I felt a new wave of pain and shame from the time that I spent running around squandering my father's riches, and what I must have done to Him as He was waiting for me. But then an overwhelming gladness at what I once heard Beth refer to as God's scandalous love. He risked His Name for me also, and I pray I will never cease to be amazed at His boundless love!
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Eph 4:29 (NIV)
I'm struggling with being grumpier at home that when around people, so this spoke to me in how I'm to treat my family too.
"I will make them strong in the Lord, and they shall walk in His name." (Yhwh's declaration) Zechariah 10:12 ESV
This morning the Lord brought to remembrance the fact that no matter what weakness, what sin, what trial I am facing in this present season (which is a wonderful season actually) that He is the one who will make me strong. He will strengthen me and cause me to WALK IN HIS NAME. My prayer this morning was that the life of Jesus would be revealed in me, that the Gospel and an in season testimony would be ready on my lips. I want to walk in His name!!
I am thankful that when we awake we can be satisfied with His likeness. Thanks for this encouraging post!! He does awaken us morning by morning to listen as disciples.
In Christ,
Regina Gibson
Phil 4:6 (NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
God reminded me today to bring my anxious heart and mind to Him, along with my specific petitions and with a heart of thanksgiving, He will hear me. Oh, how I love you, my Lord.
Tisha
That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I KNOW whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard that which I have entrusted to him for that day! 2 Timothy 1:12
Praise God His is able!!!
"Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you." Psalm 116:7 (NIV)
I was feeling overwhelmed with things that didn't seem right, and things I wish would change. This verse was in my reading and it totally changed my mood and my day as I read it. Oh yes, He has been so good to me. Thank you Lord!
Penny ddoremus@yahoo.com
"It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God- that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption." 1 Corinthians 1:30
It always comes back to Him. For Him and because of Him.
"blogless" Annette :)
Exodus 14:14--The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.
Sometimes I need to shut my trap and let God do the fighting!
Acts 18:6
But when they (the Jews) resisted and blasphemed, he (Paul) shook out his clothes and told them, "Your blood is on your own heads! I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.
PRAISE GOD that He sent Paul to the Gentiles so that we would all know His grace and mercy!!
"Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." Psalm 27:14
Our second little girl was born a couple of weeks ago, and adjusting to two under the age of two is hard. What a gentle reminder from the Lord that during this season I need to take heart -- He is good!
And the priest said to them, "Go in peace; Your way in which you are going has the Lord's approval." Judges 18:6
I have been asked recently to step up in a major way to help lead our pastorless church. This verse gave me reassurance that the things I am doing right now which would normally be way out of my comfort zone are good and pleasing to my Father.
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. Titus 3:4-5
He saved me not for anything I had done, good or bad, but because of His mercy and love.
"Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you." Joshua 3:5
When I looked up that word amazing one of the things it can mean is "the difficult thing". That is where I am.
On consecrated, I read in Timothy 4:5, that the word of God and prayer consecrates too. In context food, but still.
I'm still pondering on it.
Jen
Psalm 55:17 says, "Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress,and he hears my voice."
I have an 8 month old daughter who is teething. My husband won't be home until 11:30 pm. I know it would be a long day, and this verse reminded me that the Lord is my strength. I am to not only call out to him in the morning, but in the afternoon and evening. He hears my voice & will give me strength.
John 5:19 "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself:he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does."
Reminding me I can not do it alone and of my own plan. God's plan alone works in His way and in His time. I must step out of my own way.
Oh, how I love His Word.
Christine Roskamp
Houston Siesta
John 2:16 "To those who sold doves he said, "Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!"
Jesus is and always has been about His Father's business, so I should be about my Father's business as well.
Joel 2:13-14
Even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.
Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity.
I am reading from my daily chronological bible.
I was impressed to pray this for our country.
Lyn from NH
I've been doing the "Psalms of the Ascent, Stepping Up" Bible study and in my time this morning Psalm 18:19 (from my homework) really jumped out at me:
"He brought me to a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me"
I came out of my own personal "seven year tribulation" about a year and a half ago. This verse was a precious reminder or the AWESOME spacious place He has brought me to. And I love reading that my Lord delights in me--even when I don't feel like I'm very delightful :)
I read Psalm 119:57-64 and Titus 2
but here is what stuck out to me from Psalm 119:57-58, which from the New Living Translation says "Lord, you are mine!I promise to obey your words!With all my heart I want your blessings.Be merciful as you promised."
It just reminded me how obedience and blessings go hand in hand. With all my heart, I do want the Lord's blessings, so I need to keep his commands....and how lovely it is to say, Lord, you are mine! What a portion!!!
There was more, but you said only one verse, and so I will stop there.
Jonah 4:1 But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. 2 He prayed to the LORD, "O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. 3 Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live."
4 But the LORD replied, "Have you any right to be angry?"
This was HUGE to me...a breakthrough in fact. The Lord is dealing with me on the issue of unforgiveness in my life. I don't want to be like Jonah so quick to die rather than see I have no right to be angry. We ALL deserve to be forgiven. HUGE.
"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."
My Max Lucado Devo. was all about how words of the Bible give us words for someone hurting or struggling. How we can use the Word of God to help soothe another soul, as well as our own, and be a witness at the same time:)
It also shows me how important it is to be IN the Word EVERYDAY! It is a chance to share my morning and start my day by His side. Praise Him for coming close!!!
This morning I was in Ephesians 1:17. "I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him". I so need His wisdom everyday and I desire to know Him more. This verse is also one that I pray for those that are struggling and for those that do not know my Mighty God.
"The LORD said to Moses, "Bring Aaron and his sons, their garments, the anointing oil, the bull for the sin offering, the two rams and the basket containing bret made without yeast." Leviticus 8:1
Man!
Melissa...got me back into Leviticus with the blog she posted a few weeks ago...wanted to finish Romans first.
Well...it has not been an easy read. God convicted me of some forgotten sin. Had to write two "humble pie" letters this morning.
Back to animal sacrifices in Chapter 8 in the morning. yipee...
Thanks for checking,
Susan (Evangelism Chick)
Sorry, that was Romans 15:4
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8
Seek the Lord, not what road to take, and He will direct me!
Psalm 31:1: In you O Lord do I take refuge...
This morning in my study on 'rest' it focused on finding rest in Him. How HE can be our secret hiding place, our getaway - where we can turn even in the mundane 'duties' of the everyday. Which is great for me - if I can talk to him throughout the mundane, I have a feeling that the mundane will no longer be mundane!
"My thoughts are completely different from yours", says the Lord. "And my ways are beyond anything you could imagine. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts are highter than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9
My quiet time this morning was from "Behold Your God". This was the Scripture I was to meditate on this morning concerning God's sovereignty.
Betty R. in North Carolina
"As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man." Prov. 27:19
This spoke to me because I know that God is teaching me that he wants my heart to be filled with Him and to be pure, joyful, prayerful and thankful.
Sara B.
2 Samuel 6:2 (NKJV)
"And David arose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, whose name is called by the Name, the Lord of Hosts, who dwells between the cherubim."
As I refreshed myself on the story of David's desire to return the ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem I read this not in my study Bible - "About 70 years have passed since the ark was taken into the house of Abinadab after its capture by the Philistines." (New Spirit Filled Life Bible, J. Hayford, Ed.)
I realized that the ark represents the return of the manifest presence of God and His Spirit to His people, and that the heart of one sold out child of God seeking His presence can bring back that manifest presence for an entire nation. POWERFUL stuff.
Thanks for this opportunity. I love being well-versed in many translations. I read the Hebrew/English Tanakh during my quiet time last week. I love the way they translate some passages. Great Challenge, Beth. I woke up thinking about the stand I need to take in repenting for the apathy of our nation this week.
Love You!
1) So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:20
2) God showed me through this verse that even though I mess up big time, He is there waiting with compassion and actively waiting for me come back to Him. In fact, he will run to me with open arms.
I woke up and pretty much went face to the floor. I am going through a blue mood so I received comfort from -
John 11:35-"Jesus wept."
Just knowing that my Lord is there beside me weeping when I am weeping is strengthening.
The mind of the sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6
This was taken from Day 5 of Week 9 in my Breaking Free workbook. I'm finishing up this series in my women's small group! Today's lesson was focused on the need to truly bow every thought to the truth of God's word. I'm working on tearing down a significant stronghold in my life..
Luke 13:12-13
"When Jesus saw her,he called her over and said, "Woman, you are set free from your ailment." When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God."
Our minister spoke on this scripture yesterday so I decided to look more closely at it this morning. What ever my burden is, God will set it free, if I only go to him. Only God can lift my burdens and I praise him everyday for his awesome gift.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 (NRSV)
I have been praying very much for a friend who is losing hope because of a bad family situation. The Lord led me to this verse which gave me hope and also gave me a Word to share with her. This Scripture helped me put up me sheild of faith and proclaim - I'M BELIEVING GOD!
Sister Lynn
"...Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today...The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Ex 14:13-14 NIV
This was a fresh word that encourages me to BE STILL--which is so difficult. God wants to feed my soul, but I have to sit down long enough to hear HIM.
Blessings,
Susan
Matthew 16:24 "Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."
It's not about me getting a thumbs up from the world, but about giving God glory through my life. What am I doing to glorify God today?
Melanie Miller, Nampa, Idaho
"God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles." Gal.1:15-16
Loving Galatians!! This convicted me to 'get out there' more...
"Yes, because God's your refuge, the High God your very own home,
Evil can't get close to you, harm can't get through the door." Psalm 91:10 (The Message)
We are having issues with our landlord, and I've been anxious about where home may be in the future. What a reassurance that God is my home!
Luke 17:6: He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you."
What a comfort! Sometimes my faith is so small, but God is able to do great things with my small faith!!
"I sought the Lord and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears." - Psalm 34:4
God is taking me through a time of healing and this verse is a reminder to me that because the Lord is with me I do not have to be afraid to face the past.
"I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living." Psalm 27:13
My husband and I are at the beginning of our support-raising for an internship he is beginning in the spring; I was reminded of and encouraged by the Lord's faithfulness and goodness to His children, no matter what season of life we are in!
Brittany Yeager
"Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." 1 Timothy 4:16
God has encouraged me with this verse at just the right time as I'm speaking at my first Women's Retreat this weekend. This verse reminded me of the awesome responsiblity we have in sharing the Word of God and the joy that comes from it!
Even though it was a quick one before I went to work I did get a Bible reading in... I read Chapter 2 in Acts today. The one idea that stuck out today was how desperately I need to be filled with the Holy Spirit as the believers were on that day... I need the Holy Spirit's power to work through me everyday...
Verse 4
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.
Thanks for the opportunity to win this Bible. I have been looking at this translation... Blessings
"But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." Matthew 6:6
Confirmation of His urging me to spend more time in focused, fervent conversation with Him.
1. Psalm 104:34 "May my meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the Lord.
2. The Lord is paying attention to my meditation. I think I should pay attention to my meditation as well.
Matthew 9:29 -- He touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you."
It is not up to me to gain salvation, but it is up to me to believe that God can do anything, and will be pleased when I trust him to do just that.
Titus 2:
11For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good
Mark 2:11 "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home."
No, I'm not kidding. Just got back from a little mini-vacation. Was simply dreading the Monday morning back at work after several days away. Read this and had to laugh. Message I got from it was that He has done the hard part, I just need to get busy living the life he gave me and let go of wanting to be a beach bum.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
In Sunday school we are studying sowing to the Spirit vs. sowing to the sinful nature. This verse spoke to me about how much God wants to help me to sow to the Spirit.
Job 4:8 NLT
My experience shows that those who plant trouble and cultivate evil will harvest the same.
This has helped me calm my feelings and not seek revenge. In a very difficult circumstance I am dealing with it assures me my enemy with do themselves in and "reap what they sow".
"I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Luke 18:17
This scripture caused me to pause and think about myself...my children two in their teens and one a preschooler...as we age, we must fight to remain childlike in our faith...dependence vs. independence.
"And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”" Galatians 4:6
I have went through a time lately where I felt separated from God and unable to pray, but this verse spoke to me in that, when I feel as if I can't pray, the Spirit of the Son is within me constantly crying out "Abba! Father!" on my behalf.
~~Rachel
www.nothinggold.nte
Matthew 6:33
"Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
We cannot have divided allegiance where God and His word are concerned. We must deny ourselves and take up His cause!
Sandy Nicholson
1. “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1
2. That it IS possible to live in unity in our family and body of Christ and that it is good, pleasing and honoring to God.
... the Lord your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you will be altogether joyful. Deut. 16:15
I was filled with such gratitude for all that the Lord has done for me. Becuase of my salvation I can have joy upon joy in every area of my life. He is so worthy of all our praise!
"Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." Romans 8:34
I love this section of Scripture that I have affectionately named the "Who Dat" cheer from the apostle Paul. It reminds me that because of Christ death and resurrection I (along with the whole church) am safe and victorious in HIM.
2Peter 3:15a"Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation..."
The Lord's timing has purpose and is perfect.
I'm part of a women's study group at church doing "Living Beyond Yourself."
1. "Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight." - Psalm 43:3-4
2. God alone is my joy! His salvation is what I boast in - I am so thankful salvation was HIS idea.
John 15:4
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
Hang out with Jesus and your life will have a bumper crop of fruit! B
1. "No matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ. And so through him the 'Amen' is spoken by us to the glory of God" 2 Cor 1:20
2. I was clearly convicted that we humans, driven by our flesh, can be the ones that sometimes say "no" to the Lord's "yes" when clearly He wanted to bless us His way, for His glory, but we wanted it our way for our own glory. I have been pondering all day, what do you do when you want to change your mind and yet it is too late?
1. "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has annointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound."
2. I LOVED reading this because: a) that is what God has been doing and is doing in me, and b) because I am BELIEVING GOD that His Spirit is indeed within me and that He wants to and will (by faith) use me as a vessel to do this for others. Reading Isaiah 61 this morning felt like a holding a warm towel fresh from the dryer on my heart.
What a great quiz and prize!!!
Linda in MN
This morning, I was in Luke 10 & 11. Here's the Scripture that most resonated with me:
" 'He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me, scatters.' " (Luke 11:23)
Jesus' words here really reinforce to me that there can be no passive, luke-warm, fence-riding Christians; failing to stand with Him is not a neutral position but an opposition to--and rejection of--Him. (Does that thought count as one sentence since I used a semi-colon instead of a period between the two thoughts?!) :-)
"We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done." Psalm 78:4
Having two girls, one of my deepest desires is to raise them in the wisdom, knowledge and service to the King. I know they get to see all sides to me,good and bad, but mostly I wish to expose them to the graciousness of our Savior.
"...let the one who has my word speak it faithfully." Jeremiah 23:28b NIV
The truth is before I finished my Bible reading this morning, I was feeling under attack so more than anything else, I was driven to prayer.
Ephesians 3:19-20
19[That you may really come] to know [practically, [a]through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses [b]mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] [c]unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and [d]become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!
20Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]--
Praise God for his love! And that His power is in me!
Amanda B.
This morning, my quiet time was spent in Deeper Still study, week six...
1) "Then David comforted Bathsheba, his wife, and slept with her. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The Lord loved the child" 2 Samuel 24 (NIV)
2) Even in the midst of loss and mourning, only the Lord can give new blessed life.
Isaiah 30:15
This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel says:
In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.
He showed me that b/c He has saved me, I can trust Him to be my strength to face the things that are difficult and trust Him and stay peaceful and confident. I should keep my hands off of it and let Him alone take care of it all.
Love you all!
Jacquelyn (Jac) Bjorkman
John 15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."
If I desire to bear much fruit, I must stay connected to Him!! Without Him, I can do nothing!
Prov. 6:23-24
"For a commandment is a lamp, teaching is a light, and corrective instructions are the way to life. They will protect you from an evil woman, from the flattering tongue of a stranger."
This was the text of today's devotional "A Heart Like His"
It is a good reminder to keep tabs on my thought life - that is where sin starts. I am reminded that I need to stay in the Word and keep my mind occuupied with things that are good, pure, trustworthy, and true. Being bored is dangerous territory for me.
Hebrews 8:10 (NIV) "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people."
This reminded me that the word of the Lord is written in my mind and my heart.
--Michelle in Lakeland
"O Lord our God, you answered them.
You were a forgiving God to them,
but you punished them when they went wrong." Psalm 99:8 (NLT)
I thanked Him for His forgiveness & His punishment that brings repentance, and I prayed for our country--don't know that I've ever focused on Ps 99 much, but the whole chapter stirred my soul.
The earth is the Lord's and everything in it. I Cor. 10:26
During these tough economic times I am reminded that it's all his anyway and he will do what he pleases. I need to be a good steward of what he has blessed me with.
Pam S.
"Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interdecing for us." Romans 8:24 NIV
I have been struggling with something big for a long time. I am weary in it and in praying about it to the point of not even knowing words to pray anymore. I even wrote in my journal today & told the Lord so.
I know He sends to me in this verse comfort & assurance that He knows the ache in my heart and is wording it to the Father for me.
I love Him so much!
"I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matt 17:20
We have been trying to sell our home for a VERY long time--with no bites. Now we have a young couple coming back today for the THIRD time! We will make no money on this sale, but we will be free of something that is choking us. So I AM believing God that this mountain will be moved and this precious young couple will take this wonderful home!
John 10:2 - 4. And the part that has stuck with me today is....."and his sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and He leads them out." The word for today is that GOd never drives us, he gently leads us where HE wants us to go. THis is from Priscilla Shirer's "Discerning the Voice of God" and it is an awesome study, and a great one to do in the mornings, as you can be listening for Him throughout the day.
Love
Gulley
"Go ye therefore and teach all nations" - Matt. 28:19
I can't make anyone a disciple. All I can do is teach. However, if I am not a disciple then what am I teaching.
Isaiah 55:8 - "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord."
In Acts 23 Paul is imprisoned in Jerusalem. Ironically, he is saved by the Romans from the Jews. But the imprisonment gives him opportunity to share his testimony with those in high authority. I wonder if Paul would have planned that one a little different. Maybe, But God always knows best. His ways are not our ways.
I may get in tough situations, but my God always knows best and I can rely on him.
Psalm 63:3 "Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You.
I'm so excited that I can claim this verse with humility and boldness as the Lord is showing me His love is better than life.
"There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven...a time to be silent and a time to speak." Ecclesiastes 3: 1,7
God has specific timing in all things. I just have to listen and trust, even when the waiting is hard.
"Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10...
He's telling me...WOULD YOU JUST CALM DOWN??? I AM and you're not!
John 11:42a "I know that you always hear me..."
I needed to be reminded that He is with me in my waiting for a baby and He hears my cries to Him.
"But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil". Hebrews 5:14 (NIV)
Our church is in the midst of revival here in North Texas and currently our Pastor is doing a series on Spiritual Warfare. If we intend to fight the devil with the authority that Christ Jesus has given us, we'd better be in the Word! God's Word confirms who & whose we are, equipping us to stand against him when he assails us. The time for milk is through, we need to be chewing on more substance!
Ain't skeered!
Connie Hopkins
Denton, Texas
Mine came from Daily Light and were all about leprosy. The lead in verse was from Matthew 8:17, "He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses."
I thanked God that I live in a day when leprosy colonies don't exist (that I know of) and that even if they did, Jesus would still find me beautiful and would heal me of that infirmity. I am assured He is still in the business of miracles and I praise Him for that today.
Amy Ward, Columbus, GA
"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and member's of Gods' household" - Ephesians 2:19
i am one of God's own...His kiddo. i have a place waiting for me at His table. when it is all said and done and i leave this earthly "home", i will go to my true home. i needed that eternal perspective today.
press on,
rachel
2 Thessalonians 1:11: With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.
This spoke a lot to me in many ways. Hand in hand with LPL in San Antonio, I have really clung to verses in Ephesians about living a life worthy of my calling -- and I AM A PRINCESS (dadgum it!) I took this as another encouragement to live a life worthy of my calling. The prayer about God fulfilling "every act prompted by your faith" really struck me -- he didn't pray that we ONLY do the things that God puts on our hearts (I think I spend too much time worrying about whether or not I should do something, if the prompting is from God, yada, yada). It sounds to me like anything we do prompted by our faith, God can COMPLETE and fulfill. Takes the pressure off! :-)
I read Acts 12. Verse 5 stuck out because it served as an awesome reminder of the power of prayer. This being where it talks about the Angels leading Peter out of Jail.
Acts 12:5
All the time that Peter was under heavy guard in the jailhouse, the church prayed for him most strenuously.
Deanna
I was in the Psalms 116 this morning, and it was this verse that stood out:
I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people. Psalm 116:14 NIV
I knew it was specifically for me when I was lamenting over the fact that some contractors didn't show up to finish the work that they'd been hired to do. The job was half-finished and I was frustrated. Then, I realized that there were SEVERAL half-finished areas of my life; there are areas of obedience in which I have not followed through to completion. Can He complete the work without me? Of course! But would I miss out on the growth and the blessing of finishing my task? Absolutely. I WILL fulfill my vows to the Lord...and now I really am accountable in the presence of all His people! :o)
Hugs all around,
Melinda
2 Corinthians 3:18
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
This passage caused me to reflect on whether or not I approach God with an unveiled face... not hiding anything from Him. I have learned that the only real way to change is to be completely open with God and allow His word to penetrate!
Lori Eaton
Proverbs 27:2 "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips."
This verse convicted me of how often I use my mouth to praise myself and not using it to praise others. I can't believe how hard it is for me to live by this verse - I need to read it every day!!
I've never commented before, but I'm excited that my recently renewed desire to be more consistent in the Word and prayer coincide with this post. Great encouragement for me! Here's my word from today:
"For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance." Psalm 66:10-12
This verse spoke to me personally about trusting that God will work all things for good, even when I'm in a painful place, but most specifically it spoke to me as I prayed for a friend who is being refined through a long wait for adoption after 2 failed adoptions. It gave me great hope as I consider my own struggles, and I was able to pray with confidence that she soon would find herself living in God's place of abundance.
"Help me to cast all my anxiety on you for you care for me." I Peter 5:7.
Seems this morning I was anxious for EVERYTHING which is not typically my personality. Good verse for my day, yes?
Jane T.
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from the beginning to the end." Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)
This verse reminded me that God is in control. I need to trust him with the outcome of my current season of refining. It's okay that I cannot see where He is leading right now, I just need to know that He is.
"One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him"
I am in week 8 of the Jesus the One and Only study. The verse this morning is such a good reminder to me to throw myself at His feet and thank Him. He can heal. He can handle any and all situations. He is worthy.
Daphne Story in Oregon
James 1:5 -- If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
God doesn't hold back from His children when they need answers, reassurance, direction...all He wants us to do is ask Him!
2 Corinthians 10:5
"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
My devotion for today focused on this verse. I've used this verse many times to speak Christ's control over my thoughts. So simple but so powerful! Lord, take captive every thought in my mind and make it obedient to Your desire for me...
Deuteronomy 4:9-10
9 "Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children— 10how on the day that you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, the LORD said to me, 'Gather the people to me, that I may let them hear my words, so that they may learn to fear me all the days that they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children so.'
God really spoke to me that he lets us hear his word. I’m not even talking about how the Bible is illegal in other countries. God is God and is still on his thrown and still he lets us see a small glimpse of his “Godness” through the Bible. He doesn't have to.
"...and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge that you may be filled with the fulness of God." Eph 3:19 RSV
Awoke feeling unloved and insecure. Dragged myself to my QT chair and begged God to fill me with His love so I would not demand it from my husband and kids. He lead me straight to this passage and flooded my broken heart with His love....again. Praise Him!
"Why is the LORD bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn't it be better for us to go back to Egypt?" Numbers 14:3
Egypt = slavery. How quick we are to long for the things we remember with rose colored glasses when really what they were to us was bondage. Jesus = Freedom.
Psalm 130 :5
"I wait for the Lord,my soul does wait, and in His word do I hope"
I am in the midst of waiting on the Lord for many things. Things that i am giving up and others that only the Lord can provide. I am putting all of my Hope in his word.. which is the great I Am.
1 King 17:15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family.
The entire chapter reminded me of God's provisions when we are obedient.
Kandi Sullivan
1 Peter 3:15 "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." God reminded me to always be ready to be a witness for Him but to always do so in love. People should see Christ in our lives as we "go into all the world."
Love you guys!
Tanya Dudley
Psalm 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer."
I have been studying Psalm 19 for 2 weeks and this verse has been my focus as I try to respond to my children correctly and to face each circumstance with the right heart attitude. I haven't always been successful, but I keep praying that God will give me an acceptable heart and words!!
I'm at the library... so it's coming from my memory... This morning as I curled up with my blanket and looked at the first homework assignment for "Fruit of the Spirit", I couldn't help buy SMILE and get a slight Holy Spirit Goose Bump. For the last 2 weeks, God has led me to read ACTS and GALATIONS. Totally unknown to me that this is EXACTLY where HE started today in the homework. Oh the Holy Spirit is breathing and active and it just tickled my spirit! That's that. I love ya Holy Spirit.
Kimberly
My verse from today is; Psalm 119:71. It was good for me to suffer so I would learn your demands. NCV
I have been fighting terminal cancer for over 4 years. I wasn't supposed to still be here but our Lord is amazing! I have learned so much more about Jesus because of this cancer. He is my constant source of strength.
PS 51:10-13 < Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me .
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me .>
Reading this passage of scripture I found myself praying for our nation, our Families, restoration of marriages, deliverance for precious loved ones who are caught up in addictions. I soon found myself praying it out load.... replacing all the “me’s” with “us” Lord be with our nation as we draw closer to electing a new President.. Fill this mighty nation once again with a profound love for each other . Help US to surrendered our will, (yes Lord) over to your power. Your delight. You our GOD, the great “I Am.” AMEN
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts neither are your ways my ways saith the Lord. " Isaiah 55: 8
I spent most of last evening trying to figure out a solution to an uncomfortable situation and had somewhat of a sleepless night. Then Lord graciously reminded me this morning that His way is going to be much better than anything I can figure out.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" Eph 3:20
In this uncertain financial and political time, this verse has been such a comfort to me as my family is being impacted in a hugh way by the financial crunch.(my hubby is in the mortgage business). God is in control and can do IMMEASURABLY MORE than we can even imagine! Praise HIM!
Luke 12:25
"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
Worrying is useless! In Jesus the One and Only, Ms.Beth asked, "When will we learn to turn our worry effort into prayer?" That was very powerful(and convicting)for me! I also liked how she said that the prescription for worry is TRUST!
2 Corinthians 11:28 - "Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches."
Reading this passage reminded me that those that minister to us (Bible study teachers, Sunday school workers, pastors) have so much to deal with. So I should do my best to not cause them any further problems by avoiding criticisms, arguments, etc.
Psalm 137, vs. 3 "for there our captors asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion!"....
Our job right now is to keep singing the songs of God in this Babylon we are surrounded by!!
(can you tell I'm doing the Daniel study right now??) ;)
Exodus 33:11-18 but here's the highlight: (starting in verse 13) "If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you... The LORD replied, 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'"
First off, I want a relationship with God like Moses had. An ability to speak with God face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. Secondly, God's gracious assurance that He will go with me, and give me rest - no matter what's ahead! I know there will be rest because He will go with me. Glory to His Name!
Revelation 3:8 "...I have placed before you an open door that no one is able to close..."
Jesus Christ is the Door that we must enter to escape temptation and He is always open, we must make the choice to go through to find refuge and escape.
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14
With the upcoming election, my heart is leaning and fixing my eyes upon the Lord, for HE is sovereign, our GOD REIGNS. This verse gives me comfort in whatever the outcome GOD IS IN CONTROL.
Love ya Beth
Alexia
“God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (Heb. 13:5 NIV) and Rom. 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.(NIV) Our Grandson (7 yrs. old) was just diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes because his mom (who has Type 1 also) recognized the classic symptoms. Then in the next few days, he suffered a seizure because his blood sugar went too low. Only because of God's amazing presence are we able to keep going and can only praise Him for being in total control. And He keeps giving me His word to comfort me. God is sooooo good. T Jill L
Judges 7:21 While each man held his position around the camp all the Midianites ran, crying as they fled.
I am teaching on Gideon this Thursday and have been in Jud.6-8 and this particular scripture was in NEON this morning...Siestas, we are in a tough spiritual battle right now and we..."MUST hold our positions" in prayer and fasting..whatever position the Lord has you in..we must hold it! We may be few..as was Gideon's men.. be we have been chosen to hold our positions...
Blessings and hugs!
Teresa
Psalm 102:4 My heart is blighted and withered like grass; I forget to eat my food.
This verse reminded me of my friend who is a chaplain to girls with eating disorders, so I prayed for her and the girls.
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Gal 6:9
This was such a good word for me today. My husband is a minister with all the drama that sometimes entails. I needed to hear that I don't have to become weary..God is my sufficiency and we will reap a harvest by just not giving up!
Ez 14:3 - "Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their hearts and put right before their faces the stumbling block of their iniquity, Should I be consulted by them at all?"
I am currently doing Kay Arthur's study, America at the Crossroads. Talk about convicting. AS a nation, we have thumbed our noses at our Creator and then have the audacity to address Him for mercy. I realize just how much I have put before God and yet expect His blessings. I am humbled and ashamed at my boldness without humility. I will be and have been on my knees asking for forgiveness and a heart to seek Him and put aside those things that pale in comparison to our Creator and Lord.
"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4
This is the second time I have come across this verse in a month. The first time was when I was deciding whether or not to separate from my husband for a while and this verse plus the quote "Regardless of the circumstances, it takes confidence to believe that God is going to protect and take care of us as we wait in difficult situations", in NOGs. I chose to "remain under siege" and got a reminder today to stand firm and trust that God will take care of my family.
PS - My husband put all my Bible's on a bookshelf and said I don't need any more :)
Katrina Andrews
"When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, 'Lord--what about him?' 'If I want him to remain until I come,' Jesus answered, 'what is that to you?'" John 21:21-22
Comparing my struggles and days is so crazy. Love, instead, would change my actions and attitude! (I'm reading John: 90 Days with the Beloved Disciple and FINALLY by God's grace have enough discipline to get in the Word before I leave to teach at 6:45 AM!)
Romans 12:12
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
When faced with affliction, we must wait on Him, always lean on Him, and be faithful in lifting up the situation to Him-placing it (and leaving it) at His feet.
"We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those through faith and patience inherit what has been promised" Hebrews 6:12
God wants me to keep sowing in prayer and reading His Word even though there are a lot of current situations in the lives of loved ones that seem hopeless.
1) 2 Kings 17:38-39 "Do not forget the covenant I made with you, and do not worship other gods. You must worship only the Lord your God. He is the One who will rescue you from all your enemies."
2) What I got from my readings in 2 Kings today was how destructive idolatry is! It never leads to anything that is life-giving.
Creat in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 51: 10. I am doing the Anointed Transformed Redeemed study and Day 4 of week 5 (i believe)
I need a right spirit! I am feeling a little defeated this week. I have the same sin as David and I is so awesome to me that God can give me a clean heart.
"You have kept count of my tossings;
put my tears in your bottle.
Are they not in your book?"
Psalm 56: 8
Through pain and brokenness remember that God will wipe every tear from your eye. When you cry remember that he is crying too; when you are hurting he is hurting too.
"Though Babylon reaches as high as the heavens and makes her fortifications incredibly strong, I will still send enemies to plunder her. I, the LORD have spoken!" (Jeremiah 51:53 NLT)
No matter how bad or how strong things may look like, whatever God says goes. "I, the LORD have spoken!" I love it.
James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep onself unspotted from the world. (NKJV) NIV uses the word unopolluted instead of unspotted.
Do I stink like the world or smell like my Jesus from being up next to him?
"I will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Psalm 91:2
This verse stood out for me in when I read Psalm 91 this morning. God has been pressing on me the need to trust him with EVERYTHING and to remember that He is in control!
Blessings!
Tracie
"I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" Matt 17:20
This is part of what God has wanted me to know over the course of several months, and I'm so glad that He summed it up for me. The key to having mountian-moving faith has nothing to do with my amount of faith, but the size of our God. I want to see Him as so large that everything else becomes small.
John 20:23 "If you forgive anyone's sins, they are forgiven. If you refuse to forgive them, they are unforgiven."
Give up your grudges and FORGIVE!
1 Corinthians 13:4 - "Love suffers long, and is kind; love envies not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up."
God has really been showing/reminding me what true love is and convicting me of the attitudes of my heart and continually showing me His love for me.
Deanna
dmfitzpatrick16@rangers.nwosu.edu
1. Romans 5:20-21 "The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
2. Amen!!! Grace, o amazing grace...that sums it up!
"I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4
It was a reminder that when I call on His name and seek Him, He answers me and delivers me.
"...but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." Romans 8:5
I'm reminded that setting my mind on the things of the Spirit is a DAILY thing. That if I don't SET my mind, it will wander!
Joanne
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Cor. 1:18
God's power always amazes me! it's in His spoken word, in the cross, it's in Jesus very name. what a mighty God we serve!
James 4:17. "Anyone, then, who knows the good he should do and doesn't do it, sins." (This one stung.) I believe it was my Father's not-so-subtle reminder to pursue my calling with renewed passion and dedication... that He isn't accepting my excuses (no matter how legit I think they are), and He is asking me again to fully commit to doing what He has been asking me to do for as long as I can remember.
Angela
"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17
To lean on my friends and listen to their advice. He has given me Christian sisters so we can build one another up.
Acts 1:8 -- But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; you will be my witnesss in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
My morning lesson was actually from Acts 8:1-3, but my questions cross-referenced Acts 1:8, which reminds me that the Holy Spirit will empower me whenever I need it. And that I am always a witness to His word, even when I'm just walking down the sidewalk.
"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1
God is teaching me about the depth of the word agape and how agape love is no easily angered.
And when the Israelites saw the great power the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in Him and His servant Moses. Exodus 14:31
God reminded me of the times He's drawn a line in the sand and only allowed the enemy to go so far. He simply reminded me to approach Him with reverence and to trust Him.
Jeremiah 11:3-4 "Tell them that this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: 'Cursed is the man who does not obey the terms of this covenant - the terms I commanded your forefathers when I brougth them out of Egypt, out of the iron-smelting furnace.' I said, 'Obey me and do everything I comand you, and you will be my people, and I will be your God.'"
I have been struggling of late with reconnecting with passion. In this verse, I felt God was telling me to get back to the basics... back when your passion was stronger. I plan to try to get up 20 minutes earlier (like my first commitment 8 years ago) and take more time to read the Word. It's not that I haven't been doing it...it's just that I sleep in later and later, and I don't have the quality time I need. I'm rushed with only 10 minutes, and I want...I NEED more. I feel God pulling me back to the basics...back to my "first love." (Rev. 2:4-5)
"yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God" Romans 4:20 (NASB)
God chastised me this morning through my study of Abraham as I've become impatient with His timing and disheartened by God's silence in the sale of our home in North Carolina so we can finalize our relocation here in Houston, Texas.
John 9:3 "“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” He brought to mind several people who had hard situations right now in my life, and how those situations were meant to be victory stories of His Grace and Love. God is in the business of infusing hope in the hopeless! --Annette
Psalm 130:5 "I wait for the LORD; I wait, and put my hope in His word."
With the elections & economy, it's easy to see places I've put my hope (very subtly) in things other than God and His Word.
"All men will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life."
Luke 21: 17-19
This reminds me once again, that no matter where I am or the circumstances I find myself in, God has me safe in His hands and nothing can endanger me.
Isaiah 64:8 "O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter: we are all the work of your hand."
This verse was my meditation today and a very leveling verse. As I deal with difficult people or are hurt or disappointed by them, they like myself need the potter's hand. Do you know why I do so many of your Bible studies Beth? Because I need the POTTER working on this lump of clay called "me". This verse keeps me focused on giving mercy to those who need a lot of time on the potter's wheel, because boy have I needed time there. Praise the one and only Potter, our merciful Father. "We are all the work of his hand."
Love to all my Siestas from sunny yet windy (today) Atlanta!
1 Kings 10:23 "King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth."
That God will give me wisdom in how to handle my health issues and with dealing with family matters.
Margaret
Yeah! I need a new Bible! I was in Col. 3 and loved vs 4: "When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."
My present reality is NOTHING compared to what is going to be revealed when He appears! Hallelujah! I can't wait!
"The LORD reigns,
let the nations tremble;
he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake."
Psalm 99:1
With all the turmoil in our country (and world!) and the upcoming election, He whispered to me that He has everything under control.
Denise
My quiet time this morning was from Psalm 45. "So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him." Ps. 45:11 This verse went with the Breaking Free Bible study about the bride of Christ, and preparing ourselves for our Groom.
Rebecca in e.tx, jamersonsean@gmail.com
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice." Philippians 4:4
On Thursday I will move from Mexico (where I have served for 2 years as a missionary) to the US. I am a bit overwhelmed to say the least and this verse was such a sweet reminder this morning that we are to rejoice in EVERYTHING, even the crazy, hard times.
"When the ark of the Lord had been in Philistine territory seven months..." 1 Samuel 6:1
What can I say...God's holy things need to be where God intends them to be. A good reminder to this holy (in Christ alone) vessel.
Robin Moslander
(Romans 4:20) Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God.
Assurance that God is Sovereign, He’s right here with my husband and I in the midst of his health problems. KEEP BELIEVING CHILD!!
LMo
PS 51:10-13 < Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me .
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me .>
Reading this passage of scripture I found myself praying for our nation, our Families. Restoration of marriages, deliverance for precious loved ones who are caught up in addictions. I soon found myself praying it out load.... replacing all the “me’s” with “us” Lord Jesus, be with our nation as we draw closer to electing a new President.. Fill this mighty nation once again with a profound love for each other . Help US to surrendered our will, (yes Lord) over to your power. Your delight. To You our GOD, the great “I Am.” We pray. AMEN
Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, hi it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee; nor forsake thee. Deut.31:6 (KJV)
As I read this I remember Beth, that God had spoken these precious words To you when he was directing you into widening your territory (just like Jabez)!
Luke 19:40 "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."
This scripture was in my daily Cover-to-Cover reading today and it really struck me as a reminder of the need to outwardly praise the Lord more!
Matthew 6:14
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Forgiveness is not an option but a must!
Joseph threw himself upon his father and wept over him and kissed him. Genesis 50:1
Joseph was alone in Egypt, no family, no friends, no church - a slave and a prisoner. God blessed him because he clung to his God. Joseph was able to save his family and comfort his dying father.
"The LORD delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love" Ps.147:11
This gem from Beth,Priscilla,&Kay's David study: If we're not working in the Spirit, we're defaulting to the flesh." Whew!!!
Blessings,
Ellen from Michigan's Thumb
Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
God is teaching me that I need to give him my time, talent and treasures. The time part is the hardest for me to give. My heart was broken by how quick I give up when my 50 year old body gets tired. May I see the harvest and push through when I am tired and ready to give up.
Psalm 73:28 "But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Soverign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all of your deeds."
When we "envy the arrogrant and the prosperity of the wicked" ...this is such a good reminder!
"In vain you get up early and stay up late." Psalm 127:2
It is okay to say "NO" even to things that are good. Even to ministries within the church. We need to submit our schedule, our 24hour day, to the Lord and be a good steward of our time. We also need to ask for forgiveness when we try to do more than God is calling us to do!
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil. Cling to what is good." Romans 12:9
More than anything, this verse makes me want to be REAL. I just want to love what God loves and hold onto it with all my might. Believe it or not, my 5-year old was underlining this verse in HIS Bible as I was reading it in mine!
Steph in Ontario, Canada
1 After this the king of the Ammonites died, and Hanun his son reigned in his place. 2And David said, "I will deal loyally with Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father dealt loyally with me." So David sent by his servants to console him concerning his father. And David’s servants came into the land of the Ammonites. 3But the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, "Do you think, because David has sent comforters to you, that he is honoring your father? Has not David sent his servants to you to search the city and to spy it out and to overthrow it?" II Samuel 10:1-3
So many times we become distracted by comments and people around us that our focus is taken off of God. We have a tendency to be a stumbling block for others in what we may be saying & what we may be listening to, and visa versa.
Kathy, Wilmington NC
Isaiah 61:2 "...to procliam the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,..."
Even though there is still sorrow over losses in my life, my God can and will comfort me. Also, to know that God will make all things right.
Kathy in Bradford
"Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim." John 2:7
Remembering how much he wants my heart to be filled to the brim with him, and that he wants to perform a miracle in my heart, just like he performed a miracle at the wedding! (Really all of John 2, but this stuck out!)
So much fun, Miss Beth! Maybe I'll have better luck here than I did at Bible Study! :)
Lindsee
P.S. Been reading Rev. 12, VERY good and very interesting!
I'm reading Psalms and I was in Psalm 66 this morning.
Psalm 66:7
"He rules forever by his power, his eyes watch the nations - let not the rebellious rise up against him. ~Selah~
Selah is right. Stop and ponder that a moment while we are just a week away from the general elections. God is on his thron and in control - even in politics where so many are reluctant to recognize his sovereignty.
Amen and amen.
Finally, brothers, 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.
Phil 4:8
I am learning what it means to have the mind of Christ. Today I am learning what it means to be pure. I want to set my mind on things above.
Martha
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil. Cling to what is good." Romans 12:9
More than anything, this verse makes me want to be more authentic. And it reminds me to call upon Jesus to change my heart's desires - to give me a love for the things of God, the things that are good.
Steph in Ontario, Canada
"but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries...." Daniel 2:28
I thought I finished the Daniel study TWO YEARS ago, but recently discovered that I had not completed my last week of homework and had not watched Session 12, either. After completing the week of homework, I was able to view Session 12 yesterday afternoon.
So...this morning I was accepting the challenge to review the entire book of Daniel by completing the exam.
In the midst of everything going on in the world, it was good to be reminded of God's sovereignty.
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and pefect will." Romans 12:2 (NIV)
God has been trying to impress this on me heavily recently--to not become like the world but become more like Him through His Word.
“Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God.
Luke 12:6
God is reminding me that I have value in His sight, even when no one else sees it.
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure." Psalm 147:3-5 ESV
Feeling wounded and broken about a relationship today. His Word never fails to be timely. His understanding is truly beyond measure!
Judges 2:16 So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the Lord; and He could bear the misery of Israel no longer.
God's compassion for His children is precious! I love that He could bear their misery no longer!
Daniel 2:21: "World events are under His control. He removes kings and sets others on their thrones."
This was a much-needed reminder to me in this election season that HE is in full control.
Susan in NH
They said, "Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways, and your evil practices, and you can stay in the land the Lord gave to you and your fathers for ever and ever." Jeremiah 25:5
I have little areas of my life I have not given over to God and I am still sinning in those areas (big surprise!) and He has been calling and calling me to get the sin out!
John 21:29
"Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
This just added "extra flavor" to our Bible study the women of our church is having by a wonderful Bible teacher, Beth Moore..."Believing God".
Blessings to you, Beth
Cindy
Daniel 7:25 He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time.
I feel the Lord teaching me to trust him and his plan for me. He will be there for his people in the end times.
"But for those who are righteous, the way is not steep and rough. You are a God who does what is right, and you smooth out the path ahead of them." (Is. 26:7)
This came at the end of my reading which included chapters on the judgment of the nations - some of it pretty scary. This verse was a reminder that the God who judges does so rightly, and He never fails to uphold the righteous.
Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
I was "praising God in the storm" this morning, since the storm of my husband's mental illness continues. God is hope to me, filling me daily with His joy and peace when I trust Him with my discouragement. I'm believing God -- He is Who He says He is.
Titus 2:11-12 (NIV) For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.
These verses reminded me that God's grace teaches me to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions, and that God's grace teaches me to live a self-controlled, upright, godly life right now (in this present age).
How I need Jesus everyday, just to do everyday ordinary things!
Erin Schneider
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations..."
It encourages me to stay the course...to disciple my two girls, seizing those teachable moments in our ordinary, everyday life where I can mention the name of the Lord, teaching and instructing them to know and love Him more.
Karla
1.Matthew 6:10 "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come,your will be done,on earth as it is in heaven.
2.Those who are living day to day as the friends of Christ are devoted to the glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom!
"In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." Romans 8:26-27.NASB
When I do not know what to pray, sometimes I just need to be quiet and let God talk. I can be assured that His Spirit is whispering the right things into His ear.
Judy Loper
"Trust in the Lord your God with all you heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all you ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" Proverbs 3:6-6
This is my favorite verse and any time I get to worrying or fretting over things that I can't control, I stop and this verse comes to me. I have to remind myself God is in control, I don't have to be.
Proverbs 27:7 "A sated man loathes honey, but to a famished man any bitter thing is sweet."
When I am truly desperate & hungry for Him, the bitter circumstances of life will be sweet because I will know that they are drawing me closer to Him.
"I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good." (Ps. 54:6)
I just love praising God's name!! Just returned from a "Loving Well" retreat and boy did we ever have fun!!
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