Scripture Memorization #20 - Oh Come, Let us adore Him!

Beloved and precious Daughters of the Most High God,

You made it!  YOU made it!  Ring the bells! Ring the bells!  Can you hear the Hallelujah Chorus reverberating all around you?  There is excitement in the air and hearts filled with gratitude that we have been brought this far!

Memory lane!!!  It isn’t time to wrap the year in a beautiful package and tie it up with a fancy bow!   We get to participate in the beautiful season of Christmas loving the Father and enjoying His Presence.

Participating in Christmas family traditions like attending the Nutcracker, the Galaxy of Lights, Santa’s Village, the upcoming Living Christmas Tree, Christmas cooking/baking and the many other events trigger a flood of memories.  These memories are timeless to me.  “Time never changes the memories, the faces of loved ones, who bring to me all that I come from and all that I live for and all that I’m going to be.  My precious family is more than an heirloom to me.”  Heirlooms by Amy Grant

Christmas trees are decorated with lights, ornaments, tinsel.  Stockings are hung on the mantle.  Christmas cards have all been sent.  Packages are wrapped, adorned with bows and under the tree.  The smell of Christmas is in the air.  Christmas carols are playing bringing memories of Christmas gone by.  Hear the sounds of children laughing!!!

“Love has come for the world to know as the wisemen knew such a long time ago.  And I believe that the angels sang that hope had begun when the God of Glory Who is full of mercy sent His Son.”  Love has come by Amy Grant

“For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”  2 Corinthians 4:6  (ESV)

God Came….”Emmanuel, Emmanuel, Wonderful Counselor, Lord of Life, Lord of all, He’s the Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Holy One, Emmanuel, Emmanuel”  Emmanuel by Michael W. Smith

Oh Come Let Us Adore Him!

Scripture Memorization Buffs, now it is your turn!  Just do it!

            Post your name, verse/verses, reference and translation as well as your comments.

            The Father lavishes you with His extravagant, immeasurable, incomparable love!

Merry Christmas!

I love you!

Olda

Scripture Memorization #19.... O Christmas Tree

Sweet Sisters,

Just think…..today marks the selection of the next to the last segment of Scripture for meditation/memorization for this calendar year!  The Father has brought us this far.

The Latin word Advent means “the coming”.  This season we celebrate Christ’s first coming by enjoying His Presence in the present and prepare for His second coming to earth.  We do so with our involvement in activities leading to Christmas Day.  We get to enjoy Immanuel, God with us.

Let us consider the symbol of some things with which we decorate our homes during this festive yet tender season.  The Christmas tree is an evergreen.  The everlasting nature of the evergreen reminds us of the eternal life we have in Christ as well as a reminder of the Father’s everlasting love.  The tree’s triangle outline represents the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  The lights are a reminder that Jesus Christ is our hope and light in a dark world.  The star that tops our trees is a reminder of the Magi’s who were seeking the King.  The star led them to the manger where Christ, our Savior, laid.  The angels, of course, were heard on high.  The words of the German Christmas Carol, O Christmas Tree – O Tannenbaum, came to my mind…..

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,

You are the tree most loved!

How often you give us delight

In brightly shining Christmas light!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

You are the tree most loved!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,

Your beauty green will teach me

That hope and love will ever be

The way to joy and peace for me.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,

Your beauty green will teach me

“Let love be genuine.  Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.  Love one another with brotherly affection.  Outdo one another in showing honor.  Do not be slothful in zeal, fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.  Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.  Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”  Romans 12:9-13  ESV

Sisters, now it is your turn!  Just do it!

           Post your name, verse/verses, reference and translation and your comments. 

I love you,

Olda

Heart of Gratitude - Scripture Memorization #18

Sweet Scripture Memorization Buffs,

We have made it!  We have made it to November 15^th!  We have 2 more segments of Scripture to add after this selection!  We all now get to bask in all that the Father has taught us in and through the selections of Scripture for memorization/meditation as our hearts and minds lean forward with great anticipation to the holidays.  We treasure them while still embracing those new lessons and segments.

November brings time change, the beauty of God’s hand in creation, and the celebration of Thanksgiving as well as other events.  The celebration of Thanksgiving comes with a myriad of traditions as families of origin as well as spiritual families and friends set that day aside to celebrate and appreciate one another and the many blessings bestowed on us indiviually and as a family. 

Heart of gratitude….  A number of friends and relatives have dedicated time each day in this month of November to reflect and consider something for which each has been thankful.  For several that is done daily and others have done so weekly.  Their actions have spurred me on to consider within my heart the many things for which I am thankful.

“Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.   Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”  Psalm 103:1-5 (NIV)

Scripture Memorization Buffs, now it is your turn!  Just do it!

           Post your name, verse/verses, reference and translation and your comments.  Review, review!!!

I love you,

Olda

Scripture Memorization #17 Re-post

Hey Sweet Scripture Memorization Sisters!

     The days and seasons of 2011 seem to have peeled off the pages of the calendar.  We have strapped on 16 Scripture memorization/meditation selections.  Today we consider the 17th.  We are nearing the goal of 20 selections.  I applaud you for your diligence and tenacity.    

     Sight is a gift that we often take for granted.  My heart is filled with thanksgiving and praise as I have been afforded the gift of sight which has allowed me to take in the beauty of fall.  The brilliance of the colors is enhanced with drops of dew. And refraction is the reason we can see a rainbow of colors on those red, russet, brown, orange leaves glistening with dew.   

     May we take the time to enjoy and bask in the beauty of fall and all that comes with it.  Next Sunday the clocks will be set back an hour.  We will get an extra hour of sleep.  The smell of pumpkin, apples, cinnamon and the like are characteristic of this time of the year.  This is a time that we are intentional with thanksgiving and sensitive to those around with whom we can share.

     “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”  Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)

      Scripture Memorization Sisters, now it is your turn!  Just do it!

     Post your name, verse/verses, reference and translation and your comments.

I love you!

Olda

Scripture Memorization #17

Hey Sweet Scripture Memorization Sisters!

       The days and seasons of 2011 seem to have peeled off the pages of the calendar. We have strapped on 16 Scripture memorization/meditation selections. Today we consider the 17th. We are nearing the goal of 20 selections.  I applaud you for your diligence and tenacity.          

     Sight is a gift that we often take for granted.  My heart is filled with thanksgiving and praise as I have been afforded the gift of sight which has allowed me to take in the beauty of fall.  The brilliance of the colors is enhanced with drops of dew. And refraction is the reason we can see a rainbow of colors on those red, russet, brown, orange leaves glistening with dew.   

     May we take the time to enjoy and bask in the beauty of fall and all that comes with it.  Next Sunday the clocks will be set back an hour.  We will get an extra hour of sleep.  The smell of pumpkin, apples, cinnamon and the like are characteristic of this time of the year.  This is a time that we are intentional with thanksgiving and sensitive to those around with whom we can share.

     “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”  Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)

      Scripture Memorization Sisters, now it is your turn!  Just do it!

     Post your name, verse/verses, reference and translation and your comments.

I love you!

Olda

Scripture Memorization #16

Precious Sisters,

     Waking to crisp mornings bring a sense of excitement and expectation.  Events continue to roll out on a red carpet on our behalf:  women’s retreat, barn dance, activities involving Simon and Aggie, college football, McDonnell Elementary Fall Festival, Trunk and Treats with pumpkins, jack-o’-lanterns, candy, beautiful eyes peering up and soft voices requesting treats, Heaven’s Kitchen and much, much more. 

     We are three weeks into fall when the temperatures begin to drop and the days are shorter.  And, we anticipate an extra hour of sleep when the clocks are set back an hour.

     As I was thinking of my life barreling into these next couple months filled with the wonder and beauty of the season, the verses provided for pondering, meditating and memorizing is so timely for me.

      “Above all keep your love for one another fervent, because love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without complaining. Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God. Whoever speaks, let it be with God’s words. Whoever serves, do so with the strength that God supplies, so that in everything God will be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:8-11 (The NET Bible)

     The word fervent captured my attention.  According to Merriman Webster that word means very hot, exhibiting or marked by great intensity of feeling. 

     Now it is your turn, Precious Sisters!

     Post your name, verse/verses, reference and translation.   Review, sweet sisters!  Review your previous verse/verses.  That is a critical element of retention.

I love you!
Olda

Scripture Memorization #15

Beloved Daughters of the Most High God!

     Oh, what a glorious day!  The sun peeks over the horizon and appears to be waking up in the  cool of the morning declaring the glory of the Father.  The sun rising appears to begin its ascent into the heavens.  The reality is that this phenomenal earth on which we live spins on its axis held together by the One Who created it.  What spectacular beauty paints the canvas of the sky!  The canvas of your life and my life is beautifully painted by the same Artist.  Autumn is here!

     Many times we use words without realizing the weightiness or significance of the word.  Have you ever considered the word “beloved” as a term of endearment?   Beloved means dearly loved, dear to the heart.  Stop!  Think with me, Sisters!  We are dearly loved by the Most High God.  We are dear to the heart of God!  Ponder and meditate on that thought.  The Almighty God Who created everything we see by simply speaking it.  The same Creator God breathes life into us!

     Thinking about the words the Father has provided for meditation and memorization has brought not only excitement but also peace and delight.  They are beautiful attributes of our Father. Embracing those attributes of the One to Whom I am to glory provide a sense of security.

     “Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.  Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep.  You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.”  Psalm  36:5-6 (NIV)

     The Father’s unfailing love is as high as heaven.  His love is exquisite, unique, perfect.  It stands alone.  His faithfulness soars to the skies.  The Father does what He says He will do.  Both His love and His faithfulness are unmatched and limitless.  “No power of hell, no scheme of man could ever pluck me from His hand” (In Christ Alone lyrics) is a spectacular picture of His love and faithfulness.  Since a mountain is immovable, we are assured that His righteousness is immovable.  His righteousness does not change.

     Eugene Peterson elaborately describes the Fathers’ attributes.  The Message reads:   “God's love is meteoric, his loyalty astronomic, His purpose titanic, His verdicts oceanic.  Yet in His largeness nothing gets lost; Not a man, not a mouse, slips through the cracks.” Psalm 36:5-6    The latter part of verse 6 is HUGE.  In the Father’s largeness, nothing gets lost!  Not a man, not a mouse slips through the cracks.  Does that not speak directly to your heart and your insecurity?  Oh my, you and I are significant!

               Now it is your turn, Beloved Daughters! 

           

             Just do it!  Post your verse/verses, reference, translation and name.  And….remember to review your previous verses!  Review!!!

I love you!
Olda

Scripture Memorization #14

Precious Ones,

     How exciting to consider that another couple of weeks actually peeled off the calendar as we set our minds and hearts toward seeing the intrinsic beauty and majesty of the colors, shades and hues of red, orange, brown, gold intermingled together on the trees.  Those colors bring with them the season of “fall” or “autumn”.  Our hearts are on pilgrimage preparing for the holidays where the smell of apple and pumpkin pies bring a blast of wonder and anticipation.  Autumn and its colors bring to mind the attitude and heart of “thanksgiving”. 

      Oh, how thankful I am for each of you beautiful women of the Most High God.   Life happens.  But your heart and passion for the Father stayed the course.  How delightful that His love compels you.  Your desire to please the Father brings such pleasure to Him.  Take a moment and sense the Father’s delight in you!  When you open your eyes in the morning, lay still.  Can you hear Him sing over you?    He calls you by name for He knows you.  Thrilling?  You bet!  As He delights in us, we can sing the chorus: 

     “We long for You.  How we long for You! To gaze upon Your glory, to revel in Your love, we long for You!  How we long for You! Our hearts and flesh cry out for more! The One we were created for.  We long for you.”   Ultimate satisfaction is experienced as He fills every longing in our hearts!  We are astounded because He is amazing!  He is the great “I am”. 

     Admittedly, I was looking forward to this next segment of Psalm 84.  Reveling…

     “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. LORD Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.”  Psalm 84:10-12 (NIV)

      We can take time in the craziness of life and delight in the Father!  As we revel and bask in the Father enjoying Him and His goodness, time takes on a new dimension.  Consider that He is a sun and shield to us.  As a sun, the Father shines with brightness and splendor and we are gripped by His greatness. 

     Blessed is repeated three (3) times in this Psalm.  The word, blessed, which is used means a person’s state of bliss.  Poetically it may be used as “O the bliss of….”  Consider the three areas of bliss in this Psalm. 

      O the bliss of (Blessed are) those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. (Psalm 89:4)
       O the bliss of (Blessed are) those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.  (Psalm 89:5)
       O the bliss of (Blessed is) the one who trusts in you. (Psalm 89:12)
   
  With joy unspeakable, our hearts sing:  “Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Praise Him, all creatures here below!  Praise Him above ye heavenly host.  Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!”

          Now it is your turn, Precious Ones! 

        Just do it!  Post your verse/verses, reference, translation and name.  And….remember to review your previous verses to keep them fresh and alive!

I love you!

Olda

Scripture Memorization #13

Beloved Sisters,

     Another three (3) day weekend is sauntering our way.  In a few days we will celebrate Labor Day!  This day is a tribute to the American worker who has contributed greatly to the strength and freedom of this wonderful nation in which we live.  So, let us celebrate!

     Let us take some time and delight in the Father as we mull His sweet, tender words spoken to and over us in our minds and hearts.  As we celebrate Labor Day, we can celebrate the astonishing gift of His intense and fierce love for us in contrast with His gentle and tender love for us.  In the midst of celebrating may we “have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge”  Ephesians 3:18-19a

     In my memorization, I am still in Psalm 84.  As I shared previously, my heart has been prompted to memorize that Psalm.  It has been a humbling yet breathtaking journey as I meditated on those verses, contemplating each aspect. 

     “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.  As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools.  They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.  Hear my prayer, LORD God Almighty; listen to me, God of Jacob.  Look on our shield, O God; look with favor on your anointed one.”  Psalm 84:5-9 (NIV)

     Sisters, we are on a pilgrimage.  This place is not our home.  Each day is a preparation and journey toward the longed-for goal in our hearts which is to see our Father face-to-face. 

     Strong defines Baka as “weeping”.  There are times we go through the Valley of Weeping!  We, as pilgrims, are touched daily by God’s grace.  We receive His strength to face every situation and look for His transforming work in and around us.  How thrilling!  The Lord sends the blessing of rain for those dry times and He refreshes and revives our hearts. 

    Post it, Sisters!  Post your name Scripture verse/verses and translation!

     

    Remember the Lord takes delight in you and crowns the humble with victory   Psalm 149:4

I love you!

Olda

Scripture Memorization #12

Hey Sweet Scripture Memorization Sisters!

     Here we are again!  Welcome to week number 12 in the marathon of 2011 Scripture memorization!  Remember as a runner, you are running to receive a prize!  Can you see it?  Are you falling behind?  We have a few more laps to go!  Come on!  We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses.  Let us run with perseverance this race marked out for us as we are cheered on to the finish! 

     It is time for another segment and/or section of verse/verses for meditation and memorization.  You already know that enduring and maintaining a steadfast mind, heart and spirit as you meditate and/or memorize Scripture will result in the transforming of your mind.

     Truth trumps the lies that we hear in our minds and hearts and Truth comforts the many different venues of pain.  Christ in us is our hope of glory.

    “The delightful study of Psalms has yielded me boundless profit and ever-growing pleasure.”  Charles H. Spurgeon, Treasury of David         

     There are seasons in my life when I divert to the Psalms!  At this time, that is where the Father has taken me.  He has led me to Psalm 84 which will be broken out in segments for meditating and memorizing.

     ^“How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!  My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.  Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise!  Selah” Psalm 84:1-4  NIV

     Sparrows are of little worth.  We see that in the gospel of Matthew when we are told that 2 sparrows are worth a penny.  Yet none will fall to the ground outside the Father’s care.  We need not be fearful because we are worth more than many sparrows!  Isn’t that neat?  We are worth more than MANY sparrows.  Luke expounds on that in his gospel.  We are told that not one sparrow is forgotten by God.  In comparison to the worth of the sparrow, the hairs on our head are all numbered.  The swallow is a bird that is always in flight, restless.  Yet we see in verse two that the sparrow of no worth finds a home and the restless swallow finds a nest for herself at my Father’s altar.  Being of exceeding worth to Father, I can rest in my God.  I can abide in Him, enjoy Him, singing praises to Him.

    

     So Precious Scripture Memory Buffs, it is now your turn!  Just do it!  Post your name, scripture verse/verses, translation!

     

     We are chosen of God (Creator of the universe), holy, and dearly loved!  Amen!

I love you! 

Olda

Scripture Memorization # 11

Beloved Sisters,

     The new school year is quickly approaching as well as all the planning and activities that go with preparation for school.  With that deadline in mind, vacations, road trips, and all other time sensitive events careen to a screeching halt with Labor Day weekend being the opportunity for one last fling before settling in.  Along with the new school year are many new things that the Father is doing in and around us.  “The former things have taken place and new things I declare”.  (Isaiah 42:9)

     For those sweet sisters who are in the throes of childrearing in its many forms, i.e. midnight feeding, potty training, kindergarten, middle school, high school, college, I applaud you.  More than ever we want to be transformed by the renewing of our minds and not be conformed to the pattern of this world. (Romans 12:1)  We do that when we are reminded of those verse/verses that we have meditated/memorized as they spring into our minds.  Or, we pull out those spiral notebooks to remind us of those verse/verses that the Father impressed on us.  Exercise and appropriate these truths!  Yes, we are reaping the benefits of soaking in the truths that come from knowing Truth Himself.

     Like you, I have heard pastors teach about trials/spiritual tests/adversity.  We have heard that an individual is either going into a trial, in a trial or coming out of a trial.  Paul reminds us to “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”  (Romans 12:12) as we walk in our circumstance.  And, the writer of Hebrews exhorts us to be imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:12)   Let us mull these around in our minds and hearts as we journey this path.

     “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

      Now it is your turn, esteemed women of our Living God!
           
     Post your name, verse/verses, reference and translation.   Review, sweet sisters!  Review your previous verse/verses.  That is a critical element of retention. We desire to have those truths where they can be easily recalled.

     Remember:  The Father delights in you!  (Zephaniah 3:17)

I love you!

Olda

Scripture Memorization #10

Delightful Heiresses,

     Can you feel it?  Are you intoxicated and giddy with excitement?  The embers have been stoked and the flames are rising.  I am reminded of Paul’s exhortation and reminder to Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God which is in him.  The Spirit which God gave is of power, love and self control.

     You have successfully pondered, meditated, memorized, chewed on, and/or mused on 9 verse/verses/segments of Scripture.  Yes, I said 9.   You are rightly applauded for your diligence as you tenaciously sought the Father to reveal your memory verse/verses.   Just think with every verse/verses you have meditated and/or memorized, you are an heiress to truth revealed. 

     We have all experienced times when life is full and abundant, filled with great, wonderful things, mountain top experiences, and iced with a spectacular vacation.  Do you remember how you felt when you acknowledged  the fact that you are now in the reality of your day to day living?  Maybe you are in a time like this now. 

     I am astounded as I reflect on the last few weeks.  I was afforded the blessings of mountain top experiences with several precious girlies in Kentucky which preceded a spectacular vacation in Florida.  I was/am grateful for the beautiful memories and phenomenal experiences.  Take some time to reflect on the beauty of the Lord in your present experiences.  Then journal them!

     We can all attest to the full and abundant life that we are afforded.  Life is certainly never boring when we surrender reins of our lives to the Holy Spirit.  He stuns us as He takes us to places and experiences with Him we never expect! 

      The Father has drawn me to the following verse for such a time as this:

     “The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds' feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]!”  Habakkuk 3:19   AMP

     Heiresses, it is your turn! 

     Post your verse/verses, reference, translation and name.  Just do it!

     Remember:  “Let the king be enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.” (Psalm 45:10)   NIV

I love you!

Olda

Scripture Memorization #9

Esteemed Daughters of the Living God!

     You are absolutely lovely!  Wonderful!  You are so much fun!  Keep hiding those verse/verses in your heart!  Mediate on them!  Ponder them!  Memorize them!

     “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.”  (Galatians 5:1)

     The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776!  In a few days our nation celebrates Independence Day celebrating her 235^th birthday. 

    This is a time of family reunions, concerts, parades, picnics, barbecues, games, apple pie and ice cream and topped off with “the rockets’ red glare and the bombs bursting in air” in the dark starry night.  It is a time when “the star spangled banner in triumph wave o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave”.  It is a time for the red, white and blue.

    

     We too often forget that we can celebrate our spiritual freedom.  Let us celebrate by remembering that Christ paid our sin debt “in full”! 

    

     Let us celebrate together………

     Christ “came that we may have life and have it abundantly.”  (John 10:10) ESV

     “…where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”  (2 Corinthians 3:17) ESV

     “…you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  (John 8:32) ESV

     “…if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36) ESV

    

     The Father has led me to meditate and memorize the following verses:

     “For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority.”  (Colossians 2:9, 10) NASB

     Isn’t He lovely?  Isn’t He beautiful?  He is enough!!!

     There is anticipation in my heart to see the verse/verses to which the Father has led you.  Your verse/verses are such an encouragement for all of us. 

     Post your verse/verses, reference, translation and name, Precious Ones!  Remember, you are the apple of His eye! 

I love you,

Olda

Scripture Memorization #8

Beloved Bride of Christ,

     The month of June is half gone.  The days seem to be peeling off the calendar as I am sure you can attest.  Quickly approaching June 22 is the first day of summer but the temperatures seem to say otherwise.  The temperature and humidity certainly causes us to wonder…. how much hotter will it be this summer?

     You are all amazing women of God.  As you continue in your pursuit to meditate/memorize segments of Scripture that the Father has impressed in your heart, you are being intentional in replacing lies with truth.  As those truths settle in the marrow of your being, you walk as “confident women” because you know who you are and Whose you are. 

      Weddings…. brides, grooms, wedding gowns, veils, accessories, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flowers, wedding cake, toasts, marriage covenant before a holy Father.  These are some beautiful things that transpire in the month of June.  The dream of every young girl and woman is to be a bride.  That dream may be slightly different for every woman with the exception that in that dream she is wearing a wedding gown.  That gown is designed and selected for her taste and in wearing that gown the bride is stunning, exquisite, absolutely gorgeous.  Her face glows, her eyes sparkle with excitement and anticipation and there is a perpetual smile of delight on her face.  Her wedding day is the culmination of the woman’s dream as she is not only a bride but she will be with the love of her life forever.

     Isaiah as well as Paul illustrates similar comparison of the wedding symbolism in Holy Writ.  The Church, the Body of Christ, is the bride and the Groom is the Servant/Messiah, Christ.  We can rejoice and delight in the LORD for what Christ has accomplished for us through laying down His life, shedding His blood for the atonement of sin.  God clothes us, His Beloved, with garments of salvation and a robe of righteousness.  And we, His bride, are adorned with jewels.  What a picture of beauty!

     “I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God.  For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”  Isaiah 61:10

     Let us rejoice for what God has done!  He has provided the gift of salvation through Christ, our Bridegroom!  We, His Beloved, are valued, cherished, esteemed, extravagantly and lavishly loved by the Bridegroom.

     Now it is your turn, beautiful, amazing women of God! 

     Just do it!  Post your verse/verses, reference, translation and name.  And….remember to review your previous verses to keep them fresh and alive!

I love you!

Olda

Scripture Memorization #7

Precious Sisters in Christ!

      April showers brought May flowers and the flowers are gorgeous.  Colors from the myriad of flowers are bursting forth all around us and the fragrance is so delightful.

    Song of Solomon 2: 11-12 (NIV) “See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.  Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. “

     We have stepped through May.  Now with anticipation and expectation of a fun-filled, joyous, activity packed summer, we purposely march into June with our Scripture verse/verses on our cards and replacing lies with truths. 

    We are now 6 scripture memorization/meditating stronger than we started and we are certainly the better for it.  One of my previous memorization verses stated that His Word will accomplish that which the Father purposes and shall succeed in the thing for which He sent it.  (Isaiah 55:11) That is enough to excite us!

      The Study of Isaiah has created a new excitement and love for the Father that is exhilarating.  Isaiah writes with prose and poetry which lends itself to the beauty of the book.  The Father is seen as Sovereign LORD and without a doubt I was gripped by His greatness, His majesty, His splendor.   It has been thrilling to see how the New Testament fulfilled the prophecies in Isaiah. 

     The segment of Scripture that the Father is leading me to meditate and memorize is a beautiful picture of what the Father has promised to do for us through Christ.  Christ is the good news.

     “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.  They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.”  Isaiah 61:1-3 (NIV)

     Christ was anointed to preach “good news”, provide “beauty” instead of ashes, “joy” instead of mourning and “praise” instead of despair.  Then the beautiful results follow:  God’s people will be called “oaks of righteousness”.  The oak is strong and mighty thus a strong tree.  The LORD has done the planting.  The Messiah’s work was not only to deliver us from penalty of sin but to transform us. He does the transformation.  When Father’s glory exudes through us as we exhibit His nature and character, others are drawn to Him.  Imagine!  We are the Father’s splendor!

   .  In Luke 4 when Jesus returned to Nazareth and went to the synagogue on the Sabbath, He read Isaiah 61:1 – 2a.  Then he rolled up the scroll and said "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." 

      Precious sisters, now it is your turn!  Just do it!

    Post your name, verse/verses, reference and translation and your comments.

I love you!

Olda