Scripture Memorization #4

Beloved Sisters in Christ! 

     You are amazing and so inspiring! Your tenacity and persistence in your pursuit of memorizing and/or meditating on the scriptures that the Father has impressed upon your hearts is so stimulating.  You are such an encouragement to me and I enjoy memorizing scriptures alongside a community of sweet sisters!

     Reflecting over the last two weeks has brought a deep sense of gratitude and excitement to my heart.  We have no clue what tomorrow will bring but we know Who controls tomorrow!  We are intimate with the One Who knows…He is the Ancient of Days, the Alpha and Omega, the only Wise GOD!  “He declares the end from the beginning.”  He says:  “My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose” (Isaiah 46:10)     

     The Most High God’s purpose was accomplished indeed!  As we approach the coming days, we consider Palm Sunday… a remembrance of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem as Israel’s king riding on a donkey thus fulfilling prophecy.  The large crowd spread cloaks on the road while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Loud shouts of “Hosanna in the highest” could be heard. (Matthew 21:1-9)    Passion Sunday as this day is sometimes called is the beginning of Holy Week…the week of Jesus’ walk to the cross where through His crucifixion, death, and resurrection, we, through faith in Christ, have been reconciled to God!  Celebrate!  We get to celebrate!  In giving His Precious blood and life, Christ gives us eternal life, abundant life. (John 10:10)   The Father does what He says He will do! 

     The context of the verse selected for memory is an illustration of God’s promises to Noah in the aftermath of the flood (Isaiah 54:9) and His promises to Israel. (Isaiah 54:10)  We all know the story!  God promised Noah that He would never destroy the earth through another great flood.  The sign of that promise is the rainbow.  History has proved that when God says something, we can count on it.  He does follow through!  As one from Abraham’s seed and heir according to the promise (Galatians 3:26-29), I get to embrace Yahweh’s promise.

     “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” (Isaiah 54:10) NIV 

     Christ, the Messiah, is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) bringing with Him the covenant of peace (Ezekiel 37:26).  And, the LORD’s unfailing love and compassion motivates Him. Salvation and peace are two characteristics of God’s kingdom for us, His people!  Am reminded of the song, “I have peace like a river” and my hope, “Christ in me, the hope of glory” (Col 1:27).  He is a covenant keeping God!  Hallelujah!

     So, let’s post it, girlies!  Let us hear from you! 

     Proclaim it so the rocks do not cry out!  Post your  verse, reference, translation and name!

   

I love you,

Olda

Scripture Memorization #3

Precious Sisters in Christ!

      You are all such a blessing to this Body of Faith.  Your excitement in memorizing/meditating scripture and sharing the verses/verses that the Father has prompted you to memorize/mediate is inspiring!  It is breathtaking and exhilarating!  My heart is filled with anticipation to see the verse/verses that you will post as we consider two under our belt and now Scripture Memorization/Meditation #3 for 2011!  We are certainly the better for it!

      I applaud each of you beautiful women of God!  The Father delights in each of you, whether you are memorizing or not!  Some are soaking in His Word!  Are you pumped yet?  See!  You can do it! The Father knew you could!

      An extra round of applause goes to all you precious girlies who have little ones (all ages included – from newborn to teenagers) who pull on you and depend on you to provide sweet care!

      Memorizing is not enough!  As Keith shared with us on Sunday, we should be meditating.  Let’s add a few more words to enhance this process: chewing (crush, grind), gnawing (chew persistently), consider deliberately (pay attention to), contemplating (think deeply about).  After that process, let us allow the words to penetrate and settle deep within our inner person.  This takes some work, doesn’t it?  But we are enjoying the fruit of that labor!

    Just think….the Holy Spirit will bring those verses back to our remembrance as we need them but we must first put those verses in our minds and our hearts!  Our minds must be renewed!  Once the old, ugly thoughts are removed, they must be replaced with new and beautiful truths! 

    Consider Paul’s exhortation:

    “I appeal to you therefore, sistahs (brothers), by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12: 1-2 (ESV)

      So Paul tells us that by testing we will be able to discern the good, acceptable and perfect will of God.  That is done through transformation that happens by the renewal of our minds. 

      Again my verse comes from Isaiah!  Although the context of my verse is about the LORD’s obedient Servant, Christ, and spoken by the Servant who is a disciple (follower, pupil) of the Lord.  The Servant recognizes that His role of being instructed is a gift from “the Sovereign LORD”. The Servant’s divine equipping enabled Him to use His tongue to sustain the weary.  The Servant’s ability was enhanced because God awakened Him in the morning and awakened His ear to hear what the Sovereign LORD is saying.

     “The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of disciples, that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word.  He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.”   Isaiah 50:4 (NASB)

      Now, let us get on with the posting! 

      Do it, girlies! Post your verse, reference, translation and your name.  Do it!

Love you!

Olda