2009 Scripture Memory Challenge # 24!!!

Don't have too long...like many of you, I'm up to my elbows in Christmas preparations. Just wanted to check in to share my last passage. Like countless others this month, I decided to join Beth Moore in closing out the year with her favorite passage, Psalm 27:4 (NIV):

One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.

I couldn't think of a more perfect passage for closing out the year. This challenge has been a wonderful and incredible faith builder. While I have memorized scripture before, I've never done so a consistent basis. It has truly been life-changing! In a year of several twists and turns (my Dad's injury, job changes, the marriage of our son, to name a few...) I've never felt more peace in the very depths of my soul. Over and over again, the Lord has encouraged me, admonished me, humbled me and strengthened me as I read, re-read and committed these passages to memory.

I'm not sure yet if there will be an "official" Scripture Memory Challenge for 2010, but I personally have no intention of stopping! I'm hoping if you took part this year, you too will continue. If you didn't, why not give it a try? Think about it, only two verses a month. You can do it!

Blessings sweet friends!
Tracy

2009 Scripture Memory Challenge # 23

(photo courtesy of Google images)

Whether you turn to the right or to the left,
your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying,
"This is the way; walk in it."

~ Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)

2009 Scripture Memory Challenge # 22

Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,
continue to live in Him,
rooted and built up in Him,
strengthened in the faith as you were taught,
and overflowing with thankfulness.

~ Colossians 2:6-7

2009 Scripture Memory Challenge #19, 20 & 21, plus one more for good measure!

I’m playing catch-up with the Scripture Memory Challenge. Since I didn’t blog for nearly four weeks, I missed both postings for the month of October. As of today, I owe you 3 passages, but (because you’re so special), you get 4! Stay with me here…

I absolutely love the Psalms! They’re among my favorite places to dwell in the Bible. Early last month, I received a daily devotional message by Lysa TerkHeurst of Proverbs 31 Ministries. I was immediately drawn in when I read the opening passage. Her message centered beautifully around four passages in Psalms with a message that resonated with me for days…in fact it still is. As the excitement of the wedding, major changes at work and other everyday crises swirled around me, these verses have found themselves lodged in my head, but more importantly my heart. Like Lysa TerKeurst, these verses have become my daily prayer. Perhaps they’ll become yours, too…

A Morning Prayer

Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name." Psalm 86:11 (NIV)

It is very early in the morning. Not many people are stirring yet.

Though my body begs me just to roll over and go back to sleep, my soul is stirring to get up and go sit with Jesus.

Though I can't physically see Him, I know He is present.

I decide to open my Bible to the Psalms and use the verses I read as prayers to start my day.

And the more I pray those verses out loud the less I hear all the nagging things of the world. A beautiful melody of truth starts to rise up and suddenly my worries fade in the light of God's truth.

His perspective on things that are troubling me starts to overshadow my anxiety. Like shade on a hot summer's day, I feel relief in His presence.

I know that He is preparing me for what I will need throughout this day. He is already standing in every minute of my day and He sees what I will face. So, He's equipping me to be able to handle what is ahead of me with His gentle boldness, quiet strength, and loving grace.

In Psalm 81:10b, God instructs me, "Open wide your mouth and I will fill it." He will give me what to say today. What to say in happy moments. What to say in aggravating moments. What to say in moments where I feel insecure and what to say when I feel completely confident. What to say in disappointing moments. What to say in response to questions.

He also reminds me that sometimes it is good to keep my mouth closed and say nothing at all.

All the words that rumble about in my brain and those that will proceed out of my mouth, Lord, You be the author of those.

Psalm 84:1 reminds me that God's dwelling place is lovely. So, I ask God to dwell in me richly. I want Him to be what radiates about me. I want Him to be my pretty today.

Not my hair. Not my outfit. Not my efforts. But simply Him and His spirit dancing invisibly about me... shifting a wrong attitude, guarding my words, and whispering constant truths into my heart.

Psalm 86:11 is what I ask the Lord to give me. "Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart..."

Lord, may nothing separate me from You today. Teach me how to choose only Your way today so each step will lead me closer to You. Help me walk by the truth and not my feelings.

Help me to keep my heart pure and undivided. Protect me from my own careless thoughts, words and actions. And keep me from being distracted by MY wants, MY desires, MY thoughts on how things should be.

Help me to embrace what comes my way as an opportunity...rather than a personal inconvenience.

And finally, help me to rest in the truth of Psalm 86:13a, "Great is your love toward me." You already see all the many ways I will surely fall short and mess up. But right now, I consciously tuck Your whisper of absolute love for me into the deepest part of my heart. I recognize Your love for me is not based on my performance. You love me warts and all.

Have mercy, that's amazing.

But what's most amazing is that the God of the Universe, the Savior of the world, would desire a few minutes with me this morning. Lord, help me to forever remember what a gift it is to sit with You like this.

Dear Lord, I love You. All that I have read here is the desire of my heart. I know and confess that sometimes my actions and reactions betray my love for You. Please forgive me. Thank You for Your grace that is able to recognize this new day as a new chance to walk closer with You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.


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2009 Scripture Memory Challenge #17 & 18

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. ~ John 15:4-5 (NLT)

As I was planning to post my current verse for the Scripture Memory Challenge, I realized I had never posted my last one! (above) As I explained in my post last Friday, life is just plain crazy these days!

Between Brennan's recent move to South Carolina, wedding details, planning the rehearsal dinner and starting a new full-time position three weeks ago, I'm not sure if I'm coming or going. When I have had a few minutes to blog, I find myself staring blankly at the screen, unable to gather my thoughts into anything fit for reading! (I realize there are many people right now who would give anything to have "problems" like that, so please understand... I'm not complaining, just explaining!) Please don't give up on me.

In the meantime, please take a few moments and listen to the songs I've shared. They express my thoughts on these two passages far better than anything I could say right now.




As for God, his way is perfect. All the LORD'S promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. ~ Psalm 18:30 NLT

2009 Scripture Memory Challenge #16

(photo courtesy of meowsap of Deviant Art)


Above all else, guard your heart,

for it is the wellspring of life.
~ Proverbs 4:23

2009 Scripture Memory Challenge #14 & 15

Lest you think I had forgotten about the Scripture Memory Challenge, I wanted to share with you my current passage, but first the one that happened to fall during my vacation last month...

As I sat on the beach, staring out at the vast ocean, I couldn't help but think of our Creator. Beautiful water in varying shades of blue as far as your eye can see, endless waves lightly tumbling onto the sand -- so incredibly peaceful and calming.

As each day came to a close, we looked forward to yet another breathtaking display as the glorious sunset painted its way across the sky. I've always loved sunsets, but they seem especially beautiful to me when viewed from the beach. = ) They never fail to bring to mind God's glory and magnificent artistry, which couldn't help but inspire my scripture selection. I thought Psalm 19:1-2 (NIV) described it perfectly:

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge."

As I consider my current scripture (as with all previous choices), it is especially meaningful to me at the present time, as well.

Isaiah 26:3-4 (NLT)

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.

You may remember I mentioned in a previous post that Tom has been awaiting word about the possible outsourcing of his job. Well, we learned yesterday the firm is going forward with the outsourcing contract. While the affected 12 employees will have the opportunity to interview, there are no guarantees of employment. In addition, the outsource company has decided to eliminate 3 of the 12 positions (as yet unnamed). This process should be complete by October 1st.

Unsettling? No doubt. Some of those affected have been employed by the firm for many years. They never imagined anything like this could happen. Tom was able to make several different contacts yesterday/last night and he will of course, continue to do so as well as interview with the outsource company. Although it's hard to think we may be entering into a long and difficult "season," we both truly have a definite measure of peace. This entire matter rests in God's capable hands. That's right, the same God who created that vast ocean, and those beautiful sunsets knows and cares about our every need. I'm' reminded of other challenging times when He not only provided for our needs, but often far exceeded them. He has proven himself trustworthy time and time again.

Maybe you or someone you know is in a similar situation at this time. Friends, be encouraged by this promise. Not only can we trust the Lord to meet our every need, we can also trust Him to bring peace to our soul. We need only narrow our gaze and keep our hearts and minds fixed on Him, rather than the circumstances that surround us. One of the best ways to do that is through prayer and memorizing scripture...why not join me and start with this one? I'm praying for you...

2009 Scripture Memory Challenge #13

Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people. ~ Philemon 1:7 (NLT)

Since most of my readers appear to be women, you can hopefully paraphrase the passage above with the word “sister” or “friend” in place of “brother.” (lol) In either case, I want to thank you for your continuing prayers and kind concern for my family. I wish I could express just what an encouragement they have been! There have been several blessings as of late, no doubt a testament to your prayers:

* Dad received new casts last week. They are still non-weight-bearing. (As the swelling continues to diminish, the original casts were no longer as tight as they needed to be to best support healing.)

* Mom is doing extremely well with overseeing Dad’s care and medications. Her own health seems to be improving in the face of this challenge. Despite the frustrations that undoubtedly come from spending nearly every waking moment together (most of the time confined to their home) they seem to be growing closer.

* My uncle and cousin built a very nice ramp for my Dad so that he can go outdoors when he would like.

* A large local Sunday school class (a friend of my sister) provided meals 3 nights a week for the past three weeks. This has been a HUGE help, not just to Mom, but to my sister and I as well, who along with a few other friends, are providing meals.

* My niece does not need surgery to repair her collar bone!!! She is still having pain and still pretty limited in what she can do, but is improving and healing. Although this is not at all the summer she had planned before her senior year of high school, she (and all of us) are grateful she doesn’t have to factor surgery and recovery into the mix.

* My Dad has not smoked since the day of his injury (May 27th). At first, it was because he was hospitalized. As days went on, however, he had no desire to do so. He indicates he has no cravings whatsoever. My Dad has been smoking cigarettes for years, so this is such an incredible blessing! = )

These are but a few of the many ways we’ve seen God’s hand through you, your kind friendship and your prayers. Once again...thank you. I’m choosing this passage as my current Scripture Memory Challenge verse because of its evidence in my life. I pray it encourages you, as well.

From the "It's Almost Funny" File...

Well, there have been quite a few twists and turns since my last update. It feels as though we’re moving into “this is so crazy, it’s almost funny” category…

It’s been nearly a week since my last report, so please forgive the information overload. If you have a few moments to read what’s been going on, I think you’ll understand why I’ve titled my post in this way.

Last Saturday, Tom, Brennan and I visited my Dad at the rehab hospital. He was in an exceptionally good mood and it was a terrific visit. We left to do a couple of other things, but Mom was spending the remainder of the day with him. At dinner time, he was able to go to the dining room in his wheelchair, and Mom was eating with him. At some point, his chair tipped forward sending him onto the floor (I should explain that when he is in his wheelchair, he has to sit with his feet extended straight in front of him and we know now it should have been weighted in the back to compensate for that.) Needless to say, it shook everyone up. In addition, it resulted in added bruising to one of his feet and a lot more pain in both of them. The rehab hospital apologized and said this is the first time anything like that has ever happened.

Monday was Dad’s long-awaited appointment with the orthopedic doctor. My sister, Marcia (a hairdresser) graciously moved her clients for 3 hours to the following day so that she could be with my Dad when he met with the doctor (he doesn’t hear well so another set of ears is always a good thing). First, Dad was late because the van transporting him overheated. Once they got him there (in a different van), and the doctor examined and re-x-rayed him, he explained he could not do surgery. Both heels are shattered. He explained he would need to be able to anchor screws in order to do surgery and there is simply not enough unbroken area with which to do that. Instead, it’s casts and time…lots of time. He placed him in casts which he’ll have for 8 weeks, during which no weight whatsoever can be placed on his feet. Additional casts may follow, as well as continuing therapy at various intervals. All totaled, his recovery is projected to take 9 months. We were told he would most likely be in the rehab hospital for the rest of the week while they continue to work on upper body strength, etc. The van took Dad back to rehab and Marcia went back to work.

That night, while she was working with her last client, she received a phone call that her oldest daughter (my 17-year-old niece, Brooke) had fallen and most likely broken her collarbone. She finished with the client and hurried home, took her daughter to the ER and sure enough, it was broken. They prescribed pain meds, put her in a sling and sent her home. By this time, it was around midnight. When she attempted to take her first pain pill, she began choking, which caused her to cough pretty intensely. Immediately, she’s screaming that something is “stabbing” (this is not a dramatic kind of kid). They try to get her in the car to go back to the hospital and she is in so much pain, she can’t even do that. My brother-in-law attempts to lift her and she’s literally screaming. They had to call the ambulance to get her back to the hospital. When the doctor x-rays her again, he finds a substantial worsening to the injury. He kept her on an IV drip overnight of pain med, wrapped her, placed her in a sling and at 6:00 am said she could go home (with a referral to an orthopedic doctor).

Back at home with no sleep, my sister gets Brooke settled, makes arrangements for the neighbor to check on her and starts preparing for work (to take care of the clients she moved from the day before). Just then, my Mom (who doesn’t drive) calls her to say they’re releasing my Dad from the rehab hospital! Marcia calls me at work, understandably in meltdown mode. Because of my surgery earlier this year, I had only one remaining day off, and I had been saving it for Dad’s surgery day. Since learning the day before he couldn’t have surgery, it was obvious this was the time to use it. I made arrangements at work, took a bus home, then drove straight to the rehab hospital.

I have to admit, I was really angry at them because they hadn’t yet taught us how to even get Dad in and out of a car, we hadn’t moved any furniture or made the necessary preparations at home or anything! When I arrived, the discharge process was well underway. A nurse was going over a long list of medications with Dad & Mom (a neighbor brought her). Another nurse came in with other information and I asked if they were going to show us how to get him in/out car, etc. I explained that we weren’t expecting this and weren’t prepared, etc. She apologizes, saying “I’m sorry this seems so disorganized, we normally have more time to do this” and then (looking at my Dad) she says “but you were the one who wanted to leave today, so we’re doing our best…” at which point my Mom and I realize what has lead to this whole flurry of activity. When the nurse walks out of the room, Dad stammers a bit and says, “that’s not what happened…it was the therapist who said they have done all they can do for me until my next set of casts, etc…” Knowing Dad was very anxious to get home, we really weren’t sure what to think, but at that point, it didn’t really change anything. They showed us how to get him in and then out of the car from his wheelchair, we took him home where he sat on the porch while we moved the necessary furniture in the house. We finally got him settled and I left to fill his 12 prescriptions, pick up other needed items and make some phone calls for my Mom.

By the time all this was complete, it was late afternoon. I left to pick up Tom from the bus stop, prepared a very quick dinner, went back to get Mom (while my brother stayed with Dad) and the three of us went to the funeral visitation for my Uncle. He had passed away on Saturday after a very lengthy illness.

Yesterday, my niece had the appointment with the orthopedic doctor. He’s placed her in a different type of sling and indicated he believes (in addition to her broken collarbone), she has possibly displaced her shoulder. She goes back in two weeks at which time he will determine if she needs surgery. You can bet we’re all praying she won’t -- first for her sake, but also of course for my sister. I can only imagine how much that could complicate this whole scenario.

Besides a couple of minor issues, Dad seems to be doing alright at home. Mom’s hanging in there, too.

If this weren't quite enough to push me to the point of almost laughter, add in a car in the shop, plumbing problems and a broken washing machine (no kidding). Yes, we're in the midst of quite a season here. Praise God we can trust (despite appearances) He does indeed have things under control.

Maybe you too find yourself in the midst of a storm. Can I share a passage of scripture that resides at the forefront of my thoughts these days? It’s 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 from “The Message.” I've made this my 2009 Scripture Memory Challenge for the entire month of June...

So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.

Once again, I’m so grateful for (and humbled by) your prayers and encouragement. I’m so blessed to count you as friends. I’m hoping to be back to blogging more regularly very soon. I really miss visiting with you! Take care.

2009 Scripture Memory Challenge #10

Be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Deuteronomy 4:9 (NIV)

Greetings, sweet friends!

If you're a frequent reader, you know I'm taking part in the 2009 Scripture Memory Challenge with Beth Moore (and a few thousand others!) For those who may be unfamiliar...twice a month (the 1st & 15th), we've committed to memorize (or attempt to memorize) a new passage of scripture. Each time, Beth shares the verse of her choosing. We are welcome to memorize hers , or we can select one of our own. Up until now, my verses have been of my choosing. In fact, today I had a verse already in mind. However, when I read Beth's scripture, it struck a chord deep in my heart and I knew this was one I needed to memorize.

As she explained, there are many instances in God's Word where He tells us we are not to forget what He has done. It's sadly so easy to do...at least for me. I've experienced some absolutely incredible answers to prayer in my life. I've received blessings beyond comprehension. I've watched God's hand change situations I thought were utterly unchangeable. Even so...over time I begin to forget.

I have such respect for those who keep journals. I always intended to do that, I just never did. I believe that's why blogging is so close to my heart. As God stirs my recollection of some of the blessings I've experienced, it provides an avenue by which to share them. Each retelling has the potential for encouraging others who may be walking a similar path. But God's divine design provides yet another benefit. Reliving stories of my faith creates in me a renewed sense of trust and awe for my Savior as I remember His faithfulness. That's a worthy remembering, indeed.

God's Story is certainly worth telling, but so is yours. It's not just your conversion story that speaks of God's work within you. If you're a believer, everyday life provides examples of God's faithfulness through His provision, guidance, love and protection. If you aren't journaling or blogging, can I challenge you to do so? There are lives that can be forever changed by the stories God has given you, including your own.

It's never too late to take part in the 2009 Scripture Memory Challenge. If you're interested, stop by Beth Moore's blog.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

2009 Scripture Memory Challenge #8 and Word-Filled Wednesday

(Image courtesy of stonesoupmusic.org)

Read them again, and let the beautiful
and incredible words of Zephaniah 3:17

bring joy to your heart this day!

The LORD your God is with you,

he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,

he will rejoice over you with singing.

For more Word-Filled Wednesday, join us here

2009 Scripture Memory Challenge #7 and Word-Filled Wednesday

(Photo courtesy of Google Images)

I'm combining my next Scripture for the memory challenge with my Word-Filled Wednesday this week. I loved the brief but powerful thoughts of Phil Ware of Heartlight on this verse:

Do you have a basis for pride? What is your source of that pride? Paul reminds us that our one, true, and dependable source of boasting is boasting in what the Lord has done for us on the Cross. This one source of boasting has absolutely nothing to do with anything that we have done, attained, or accomplished on our own. All other reasons to boast are fleeting glimpses at hollow fame compared to the joy and assurance of sharing in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

Forgive me, O Abba Father, for the times I have thought myself important because of some transitory accomplishment. Thank you for giving me a bedrock source of boasting in Jesus' love and grace demonstrated in the Cross. In Jesus' name I thank you. Amen.

I'm echoing his prayer this day...

For more Word-Filled Wednesday, visit Amydeanne here:

Scripture Memory Challenge - Verse #6

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
~ Romans 12:12

True to form, when I chose this passage, it was because of its significance in my own faith walk. I need to confess I’ve been struggling a little bit the past few weeks.

After asking for prayer for my surgery, and having such a smooth procedure…I very quickly wanted to say thank you and let everyone know I was doing fine, and I was…for a few days. The week after my surgery, I developed a lung infection in the form of bronchitis. I saw my doctor, received a strong antibiotic and assumed I would be better in short order. To be completely honest, I didn’t want to seem like a whiner or complainer, so I opted not to mention it here. (Mistake #1) I finished the antibiotic and was disappointed to find I was no better. My doctor ordered a different antibiotic. I was still in the midst of taking this one when my 2 week surgical leave from work ended.

While my surgery itself was healing perfectly, there was only a slight improvement in my bronchitis. I had not been resting well, which only compounded the problem. However, my job is relatively low-stress and I was not contagious by this time, so I went back to work as planned last Monday. (Mistake #2). By Friday, with two days left on the antibiotic cycle, it felt as though it was getting worse again.

By last night, I was not only sick, but also tired, discouraged and in full-out meltdown mode. (My poor hubby.) I took a hot bath and went to bed very early and prayed for a restful night. (Praise the Lord, I did indeed sleep very well.) This morning, I went back to the doctor who prescribed a new round of antibiotics and also gave me a cortisone injection.

Can I tell you what really bothers me about all this? What it has revealed about my true nature. First, I’m not nearly as strong as I like to believe, but much worse than that? My pride kept me from revealing my weakness and admitting my need. I’ve always looked at life with an optimistic point of view. I try to find a blessing in every situation. Nothing wrong with that. There is, however, something wrong when I can’t admit my typical outlook has taken a bit of a down turn, that I don’t feel much like rejoicing and that I’m downright frustrated. Why is it I’m so fearful of scaring people off by appearing too needy?

When the Lord lead me to this verse, I quickly realized I had failed miserably at following His formula. Though I was trying to keep up the appearance of joyful hope, its lack was quite evident. I had NOT been patient in affliction, nor had I been as faithful to prayer as I should have. Ouch. Needless to say, the Lord and I have spent a good bit of time together today to remedy this situation. As of tonight, I can honestly say I’m feeling a bit of improvement in my physical symptoms. Even more important, through the course of this day, the Lord has restored my joy. As I remain faithful in prayer, I’m trusting Him to help me be a more patient, patient. = )

I’m humbling myself before Him and you and asking for your prayers but also your forgiveness. For someone who says she wants to be “real” with you, I haven’t shown much evidence of that in the last couple of weeks. I pray the Lord keeps me faithful to sharing my heart as time goes on…even if that means revealing my ugly stuff. I thank Him for you and how He challenges me continually through you.

Scripture Memory Challenge - Verse #5

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. ~ 2 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT)

I have a Life Application study bible. I love the way it summarizes this verse:

"The power to grow doesn't come from within us, but from God. Because we don't have the resources to be truly godly, God allows us to be "partakers of the divine nature" in order to keep us from sin and help us live for him. When we are born again, God by his Spirit empowers us with his own moral goodness."

Have you ever wondered how far you could get in this Christian life without the Holy Spirit? It's been at work within us even before we actually believed. Were it not for the Holy Spirit, our eyes would never be opened to our need for Christ to begin with. Once we understand that need, it is the Holy Spirit that works within us to draw us toward knowing and accepting that truth personally. Then, it is when we've accepted Christ that the Holy Spirit indwells us and helps to guide us to live each day for Him, beginning the very moment we believe. How I praise God for this incredible gift!

It's never too late if you wish to take part in the Scripture Memory Challenge. It was started by Beth Moore on her blog as a means growing in her walk with Christ throughout the year. On the first and fifteenth of every month, those wishing to take part choose a verse they want to commit to memory. As a means of accountability, simply go to her blog, comment with your verse including its version (NIV, etc.) then add your name and city & state. To date, there are over 3,000 participants! We'd love to have you, too!

Scripture Memory Challenge - Verse #4

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

~ 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)

Talk about an encouraging Word! Did you fully get that? I must admit, the first couple of times I read it, I didn't. The Lord kept drawing me back to it though, so I knew it needed a closer look. In order to help fully grasp its message, I broke it down and began looking for some additional definitions for these everyday phrases. It helped me appreciate the power of this passage anew...I hope it does the same for you.

And God is able (He has the necessary skill, power and resources)

to make all grace (the greatest possible degree of God's favor)

abound to you (far more than just adequate, but abounding; occurring in great quantities or numbers; to be rich or well supplied; overflowing)

so that

in all things (the greatest possible degree of actions, deeds or events)

at all times (continuously, without interruption)

having all you need (being supplied with the greatest possible degree of that which you require)

you will abound in every good work! (You will be well supplied in every righteous task or undertaking)

In context, this passage is referring to giving. You are perhaps more familiar with the verse just previous to this:

"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

When God's Word teaches about giving, do you perceive it to only mean financially? My personal opinion is that He's referring to all our resources...our time, our energy, our prayers, our belongings, etc. What encouragement! Through God's power and favor, we are more than adequately supplied for every righteous task we may undertake. Our offerings (however humble they may be) need only be given with a willing heart. He does the rest! As we have freely received, we are to freely give. (Matthew 10:8) How about you? Does this speak in a particular way to you today?

It's never too late if you wish to take part in the Scripture Memory Challenge. It was started by Beth Moore on her blog as a means growing in her walk with Christ throughout the year. On the first and fifteenth of every month, those wishing to take part choose a verse they want to commit to memory. As a means of accountability, simply go to her blog, comment with your verse including its version (NIV, etc.) then add your name and city & state. To date, there are over 3,000 participants! We'd love to have you, too!

Scripture Memory Challenge - Verse #3

Have you never heard?
Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:28-31 (NLT)


Continuing with my theme of Renewal this year, I find such powerful encouragement in this passage! I especially love the way it starts... "Have you never heard? Have you never understood?" as if Isaiah is passionately asking could it be you are unaware, or without grasp of the strength that is yours through Christ?! This is truly one of the most powerful promises we have as believers! When we've done all our human strength allows, when we no longer possess the motivation to stay on task, when our spirits are discouraged or anxious, when we're so weary it's hard to even lift our heads...we need only to bow them and call out to the Lord. Even if all we can say is "Lord, help me," He promises to renew our strength with His limitless power when we wait upon Him. Something else? You never need to worry He is too tired or too busy. He stands ready and willing to help those who call on His name. How I praise you, Lord!

Scripture Memory Challenge - Verse #2

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer 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 perfect will.
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)

God has been speaking to my heart recently through many different avenues about renewal. He's creating in me a real hunger and thirst for it. I’m praying earnestly to fully submit my will to His, as I ask Him to do a major work of spiritual renewal within me. That's one of the reasons I’ve decided to take part in the Scripture Memory Challenge. I want His word to transform and renew the way I think!

This desire for the renewing of my mind actually began several months ago. You may or may not know I began a weight loss journey in September. For many years, I had given food a place of prominence in my life it never should have had. I knew it, and felt shame over it, but I wasn’t willing to let it go. For too long, I listened to the enemy tell me I would never have victory over this area of my life. As I prayed, God began to create in me a deep desire to honor Him by taking better care of the body He had given me. When the enemy would threaten with discouragement, the Lord would encourage me with verses like Isaiah 43:18-19. "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past; See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." He wanted me to forget past failures, set my eyes firmly on Him, and trust in His ability to change me. I finally got it, and I was READY. Wouldn’t you know, within a couple of days I received a company-wide invitation to join Weight Watchers at Work? I was the first one to sign up! Since that time, I’ve radically changed the way I think about food (how I prepare it, what I’m eating, how much I’m eating, etc…) I’ve broken a number of long-standing poor eating habits, incorporated daily exercise, and lost a significant amount of weight (24 pounds, so far). Physically, I feel better than I have in years. Best of all is the joy that comes from knowing this area of my life is now far more pleasing to God than it was at this time last year. As I continue to rely on Him for strength, He continues to walk faithfully with me on this journey every day.

As you might imagine, these changes have inspired and ignited my desire for the Lord’s continued renewal and transformation of my mind. I’ve already been so encouraged by meditating on and committing to memory the first scripture. I’m excited to see how God will move in this process throughout the year.

It’s not too late, if you wish to take part. Simply go to lproof.org and sign up, or you’re welcome to journey along with me. In either case, just leave your name, location and the verse you’ve decided to commit to memory, between now and January 31st. (For those who have already signed up, I’d love to hear your second scripture!) Blessings!

2009 Scripture Memory Challenge

I took a moment this morning to stop by Beth Moore’s blog. I was so excited by what I saw! As a means of growing ever-closer to the Lord, she put out a challenge to her readers to join her in memorizing scripture this year. On the first and fifteenth of every month, those wishing to take part are asked to leave their name, location and the scripture chosen in a comment (as a means of accountability). As I prepared to leave my comment, I realized there were over 2,000 people who had already done so (and the number is still climbing!!) That’s an enormous amount of scripture across our country being memorized and meditated upon! Memorizing scripture is so important to our overall spiritual well-being. Like reading God’s Word, it builds and strengthens our faith for the inevitable trials that will come our way, and it draws us into a closer walk with the Lord. So often in my own life, passages I have memorized surface at the precise time I need them. Sometimes it’s for a friend or family member, other times for me.

I’ve taken this challenge, and I’m excited to think I’ll have 24 new passages committed to memory by the end of this year. As an added measure of accountability, I plan to share my verses with you here on the first and fifteenth of each month. I’m starting with the scripture I posted on New Year’s Eve, though at a friend’s request, I’m adding one additional verse (thanks, Paula!)

Lamentations 3:21-25 (NLT)
Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him.

What about you? Want to join us? Let me know in a comment and then head over to Beth Moore’s blog and sign on!

Rejoicing…
Tracy