This weekend I had the opportunity to meet for dinner with a small group of friends from high school. Most of us had not seen each other in many years, but we all picked up our friendship like a favorite coat that had been lost in the back of the closet but still fit perfectly. Our conversation felt easy and the laughter was warm to the soul.
But we hadn’t gathered just for the fun of it. One of our number is very ill with a terminal cancer, and we had met at a restaurant to encourage and love on him. It’s been 41 years since we all went our different directions, but we are still loyal to each other with a fierce and binding love today.
Like you I’m sure, I have friends with whom I’ve shared amazing friendships that have endured time and change and even goodbyes. But I also have relationships that died for the lack of presence or even ended before the parting of ways. Some friendships died a natural death; while other endings felt harsh and cold.
And as the wife of a pastor, friendships have not been as easy as they were in high school and college. Many of them have come with strings attached and unspoken expectations and conditions. And many of them have turned out to be not what I thought they were.
But I am so very grateful for the friends who have been loyal to me through the good and the bad, the easy and the hard, the closeness and the distance.
My dinner with friends has gotten me thinking about loyalty and true friendship and sacrifice. And as I read the story of Ruth this weekend in my daily Bible reading, I knew that I wanted to memorize the familiar passage of chapter 1, verses 16-17. We generally hear this passage at weddings, but really it’s a proclamation of biblical loyalty.
I believe God calls us to be loyal, first to Him, but then to one another, especially within the household of faith. That loyalty calls for sacrifice and devotion and commitment and perseverance. I’m thinking on these things for the next couple of weeks as I add this scripture passage to my memory and meditation album.
I look forward to reading your selection for the next two weeks, as well. Please know that I read every comment. Thank you for sharing this journey with me.
Psalm 33 in its entirety has been my reading of late. Writing the whole Psalm here seemed a little much. 🙂 but here is verse 4:
For the word of the LORD is right,
And all His work is done in truth.
Sing praises to God and to his name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds. His name is the LORD- rejoice in his presence! Psalm 68:4
This weekend I directed my community chorus for our Spring Show. It was secular, but we did have a few sacred references. It made me think of always singing praises to the Lord!
Psalm 68 1:4 Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.
As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.
Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name Lord and rejoice before him
My verse of meditation is:
“You shall take vengeance or bear a grudge against the done of your own people, but you shall live your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord”.
Leviticus 19:18 English Standard version
“You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.”
Leviticus 19:18 ESV
Words to live by.
I am choosing Isaiah 43:19. It says, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” I chose it because I need to embrace changes happening soon.
Hi, I’m continuing with Psalm 34 and up to verses 15 and 16.
“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are attentive to their cry;
16 but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil,
to blot out their name from the earth.”
Psalm 34:15-16
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing.” Phillipians 2:14
Another member posted this and when I read it this just jumped off the page as if it were meant for me. I will save the other I planned to use for another time.
Colossians 4:5
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
Now, because of you, Lord, I will lie down in peace and sleep comes at once, for no matter what happens, I will live unafraid! (Psalms 4:8 TPT)
Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.
Hebrews 13:5
My verse for this week:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Romans 15:13 ESV
The scripture you picked today touched my heart and filled me with such peace. I will choose this as my scripture also. We are starting a new book and lesson in our Womens Bible study this Thursday, and know Ruth will be one of the women of the Bible we will study. Our topic is Women of the Bible. Love this verse from Ruth 1:16-17.
Isaiah 49:16
“Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me”
I’m so loved by the Lord God that He would engrave me and know everything about me like no one else could! ❤️
Reading through these comments of verses is always such a thrill and balm for the heart. I am thinking on Psalm 65:11 for this week. “Thou crownest the year with Thy goodness; and Thy paths drop fatness.”
This is a helpful mentality when it seems like life is stuck.
Hello everyone!
My verse this week is a much needed “attitude check-up”!
Philippians 2:14 “Do all things without grumbling or disputing.”
ESV
“So if you call God your Father, live your time as temporary residents on earth in fear. He is the God who judges all people by what they have done, and he doesn’t play favorites.”
1 Peter 1:17 GW
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 1Cor. 6:19 NKJV
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matthew 7:24
I am meditating on 2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
I am trying hard to patiently await an MRI diagnosis for my sweet sister, my best friend. At 69 years old she is very rapidly going thru great confusion and memory loss. I am praying ever so hard the cause will be curable and bring her back to all of us.
Praying with you Helena for your sister and this verse will be alive and powerful for both of you.
Thank you so very much, Phyllis.
Saying prayers for you Helena and your sister. 🙏💕🙏
So greatly appreciated, thank you, Frani
Praying for your sisiter.
Thank you, Karen. I’m holding tight to the power of prayer and this means the world.
Helena, I am so sorry that your sister, you and your family are going through this difficult time. Praying that all of you will find the peace and strength in our Lord that you need and the healing that you seek.
Praying for your sister Helena ♥️Xx
I will pray also ❤️
Isaiah 50:4. “The Lord has given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a Word in season to him who is weary. He awakens me morning by morning, He awakens my ear to hear as the learned.”
Hi! This is Patti from Iowa. I’ve decided to keep the same two verses another time. I feel the Lord wants me to spend more time on them. My verses are Psalm 139:23, 24.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23,24
Good morning ladies!
Psalm 86:1
Teach me your ways Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
Memorizing the passages seems easier than memorizing the scripture references. I’m going to really work harder to get those down.
Have a blessed day💞
You’re not alone — I also am finding it easier to memorize the passages than the scripture references.
I also struggle with the references.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. (Psalms 19:14 NASB1995)
Ladies, I am struggling to find my fitness groove! I have a big birthday in May and not where I wanted to be in my health.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:21
Sending Good Luck Wishes that you get your health and fitness back 👍🏻🌈Xx
I am returning to Psalm 27 to memorize more of that amazing comforting chapter: “For He will conceal me there when troubles come; He will hide me in His sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. Then I will hold my head high about my enemies who surround me. At His sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of JOY, singing and praising the LORD with music.” Ps 27:5-6 NLT
Hi Kay your Scripture really resonated with me today , almost like an answer to a question I had in my heart , to a step I had to take. Thank you I will choose yours to memorise for the next two weeks instead of the one I had chosen♥️.
It’s so lovely to hear you had met up with your old friends and enjoyed their company so much , but so sorry to hear about one of your friends being terminally ill , sending you love and hugs ♥️.
Hebrews 10:24-25(NIV)
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
He has showed you, o man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 (NIV)
I am still focusing on discipleship. This reminds me of my mission:
Romans 1:16: For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
I’m going to practice all of my versus this week and really know that I know them. Your post today was a wonderful reminder of how God wants us to be a good friend and to appreciate those He has blessed us with! Thank you Kay!
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4 NKJV
Ruth 1:16-17 NIV
But Ruth replied “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.
My verse for this week speaks to my need to be comfortable with hosting friends and family without making it a big, anxious, drama!
Titus 1:8 NLT “Rather he must enjoy having guests in his home and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life.
♥️Xx
A wonderful word to meditate on. Thank you for sharing your experiences about friendships. I needed to hear/see this.
Blessings Always,
Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:36.
I enjoy reading the scriptures chosen by others. Charlene’s choice resonated with me, today.
Hebrews 13:5 (MEV)
For He has said: “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.”
Hello to all from Vancouver. What a timely suggestion: I’m meeting up next week for a social evening with friends from high school. We were all on the organizing committee for our 50th (!) reunion. And the week after, I’m lunching with some girlfriends with whom I’ve gotten reacquainted via Facebook (one of FB’s few redeeming features IMHO). It is wonderful to be able to pick up conversations as though they only began a short time ago. What a blessing to have such people in our lives.
So, on the theme of devoted friendship:
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10 (NIV)
I have two sort ones that were placed on my heart. This week I will be having hip replacement surgery. These verses sustained during surgery on my other hip. They will sustain me again and my testimony is “This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him.” Psalms 91:2NLT
“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
Psalm 34:1 ESV
“When I am afraid, I will trust in you.”
Psalms 56:3 CSB
Prayers for a successful surgery Phyllis. 🙏💕🙏
Thank you, sisters, for all your prayers.❤️🙏❤️
(Phyllis from Baton Rouge, LA. I realize there is at least one other Phyllis who posts.😊)
Praying for you!
Phyllis, Praying that you will have a peaceful heart, a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.
Praying your hip surgery is successful and your recovery is a quick one ♥️🙏Xx
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven,
raised his voice, and proclaimed:
“Let the whole house of Israel know for certain
that God has made both Lord and Christ,
this Jesus whom you crucified.”
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart,
and they asked Peter and the other apostles,
“What are we to do, my brothers?”
Peter said to them,
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you,
in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins;
and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2
I’m probably not going to memorize all this but what’s sticking with me most is – “They were cut to the Heart.” When was the last time I was cut to the heart? Notice that Peter says Repent. Jesus’ first spoken word in Matthew was Repent. Maybe I need to be more serious about this, too.
I want to meditate on all the gifts in my life and be thankful.
James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
My husband and I are holding on to: When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up – the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43;2 TLB
as we await a biopsy on May 11 for a growth on his pancreas.
Praying for you and your husband.
That’s the perfect scripture for you and your husband to focus on Abbey. I’m keeping you both in my prayers. 🙏💕🙏
Abbey, praying for you and your husband as you walk through these “deep waters and great trouble”. May our Lord’s peace dwell in your hearts.
We sang an anthem based on your verse today in church. I almost chose the same scripture.
I am praying for you and your husband.
Abby prayers for your husband ,and also you ❤️🙏Xx
Abbey, my husband and I are going through a very similar waiting. Thank you for sharing this scripture. We will be praying for you and your husband.❤️🙏🏼💕
I have two scriptures that I will be focusing on this time. One is from 1 Corinthians and the other is from Colossians. The Lord put them both on my heart.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV) “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
Colossians 3:23-24(NIV) “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
The past several weeks my Bible study has taken me through Jeremiah and Lamentations. It has been a time of seeing how the separated Southern nation of Judah (from Northern Israel) had over and over again rebelled against the Lord, his laws, and his continual calling to them to repent from idol worship and call on him with their whole heart. But finally, judgement fell, and so the exile time arrived. But still God called to them with hope of his mercy and plan to save a remnant of David’s line. His mercy has extended even to us in his very own son, Jesus Christ who was from the lineage of David. An awesome God!
Thus this verse has spoken to me: Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord! Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven. Lamentations 3: 40-41 (ESV)
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9 KJV
This is the perfect scripture I would choose to commit to memory today! Thank you for suggesting this scripture!
Ruth 1:16-17
King James Version
16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.
Hi all .. our Pastor told us today is sometimes referred to as ‘Good Shepherd Sunday’. In honor of that, I’ll be memorizing the 23rd Psalm,
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me besides still waters. You restore my soul, O Lord, and guide me along right paths for your name’s sake. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil, and my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” -Psalm 23
I’m choosing your verse Kay, Thank you, It’s really speaking to me at this time.
This is Cindy from Indiana.
I chose Habakkuk 3:18,19 (NIV) “…yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.”
Whatever challenges the day may bring, I want to rejoice in the LORD, know that He is my strength.
Luke 23:43 Jesus answered him,”Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
My prayer meditation is the follow up to week 8, the sermon of the Mount: Here is Salt and Light
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
(Matthew, 5,13-16)
Love and angel blessings Monika
Psalm 25:46 Make me know thy ways, O Lord; Teach me Thy paths. Lead me in thy truth and teach me. For Thou art the God of my salvation; For Thee I wait all the day. Remember, O Lord, Thy compassion and Thy loving kindnesses, For they have been from old.
For all of you with friends, family, and those of you who are facing health issues, my prayer is that God comfort and strenthen you. I also pray for healing and that you feel His presence every step of the way;.
My bible verse for the coming two weeks will be Psalms 34:1-3
I will extol the Lord at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
I will glory in the Lord;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the Lord with me;
let us exalt his name together.
Psalm 73:26 NIV My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
That says it ALL thru the Word of God, Kay. I am alone now (and actually thru my bad marriage, I was alone anyway) but now, it is long term friends who have held me up in prayer all these years are the ones I cling to!!! Will share the same scripture with you to reflect with gratitude those dear ones (like YOU!)
Susan, I am sorry for your trial. Glad you have long-time friends to help you through this. I will pray for you.
Psalm 4:1 NIV
Answer me when I call to you,
O my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress:
Be merciful to me and hear my prayer.
My verse this week is Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Ephesians 6:13
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”
It is so important to memorize Scripture in order to not be caught off guard and unarmed if a dangerous predicament comes.
Hello from Grande Prairie in Northern Alberta
I like Betsy’s verse for the next two weeks
God is so faithful. I want to RELY ON HIS FAITHFULNESS. My prayer is for an undivided heart!
Paslm86:1
Teach me your ways Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness.
Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name
Dear K
Thanks for sharing your heart and your deepest thoughts. My verse Ecclesiastes 3:1
For everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven .This verse is helping me
to stay in the present moment when at times all of me wants to go back in time and reminisce on the past.
In keeping with my word for the year, victorious, my verse is
1 John 5:4 For everyone born of God is victorious and overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has conquered and overcome the world—our [continuing, persistent] faith [in Jesus the Son of God]. [AMP]
Previous verses
8) Hebrews 4:15 For Jesus is not some high priest who has no sympathy for our weaknesses and flaws. He has already been tested in every way that we are tested; but He emerged victorious, without failing God. [Voice]
7) Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” [NIV]
5&6) I Cor 9:24 You know that in a race all the runners run but only one wins the prize, don’t you? You must run in such a way that you may be victorious.
I Cor 9: 25 Everyone who enters an athletic contest practices self-control in everything. They do it to win a wreath that that withers away, but we run to win a prize that never fades. [ISV]
4) Romans 8:37 But in all these things we are completely victorious through God who showed his love for us. [ISV]
3) Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will rejoice over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy. [NASB]
2) Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, I will help you; I will uphold you with My victorious right hand. [TLB]
1) Psalm 89: 15-17 How blessed are the people who worship you! O LORD, they experience your favor. They rejoice in your name all day long, and are vindicated by your justice. For you give them splendor and strength. By your favor we are victorious. (NET)
I have selected James 3:17-18 (NASB) as my verse for the next 2 weeks. Oh, how much we all need wisdom from God!!
17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, free of hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8 ESV
And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart…amen
Jeremiah 29 (13)
NKJV
This reminds me of the Mother Teresa quote that I love: “…the good you do today will often be forgotten tomorrow, do good anyway”
1 Peter 2:20b-21 NAB
If you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good, this is a grace before God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his footsteps.”
When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.
Psalm 56:3 (NASB)
So sorry about your friend, Kay. I chose this verse that reminds me of the bond of friendship and weathering the storms in life together:
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15 NRSV
Almost completed John 14. Plan to finish this week. My meditation verses this week are “I am leaving you with a gift. Peace of mind and heart. And this peace is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remenywhat I told you.” John 14
James 1:2-4 (NKJV)
“My brethren count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
But let patience have its perfect work,
That you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. “
This verse spoke to me this morning when I read it. Psalm 55: 22 Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. NASB
Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. – Psalm 86:11 (NIV)
Psalm 34:8
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
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 NIV
We need the hope that comes with the power of the Holy Spirit to be a light in this world.
That is so true, Kay! I have found friendships very very difficult in the empty nest!! Friends who are still parenting younger ones don’t feel like they have much in common with me now and some friendships that were built around kids’ activities haven’t lasted like I thought they might.
My verse is around being a peacemaker and this is something that I really need to let ruminate in my soul right now. I have some difficult relationships in my life now and I need to remember that God wants me to be a peacemaker.
“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” Mt. 5:9 NLT
Here’s mine, which is very apropos. It happened to be part of my reading this past week. 🙂
But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.
Deuteronomy 30:14 ESV
1 Peter 5:6-9 NLT:
So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence. And do not take your Holy Spirit from me. Psalm 51:10&11
I’m choosing the same for sis K as I feel like that is such a great way to approach relationships these days. Jesus in Matthew 24 that there would be the trails and peoples hearts with wax cold so I think it’s a good reminder to be a loyal friend. Ruth 1:16-17
! Corinthians 8:1b; Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
It’s all in the approach and the intent.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and don’t waste your time thinking about how to provide for the sinful desires of your old nature.. Romans 13:14
Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Rejoicing in Spring:
“The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.”
Psalm 19:1
James 3:8,9 (ESV) “but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.”
Speaking of God’s Wisdom
Proverbs 8: 35-36 ” For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord, but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death. ”
May I not trust my own understanding, but seek God’s wisdom in all aspects of my life.
II Corinthians 1:11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift be stowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
Micah 7:8 (NIV)
Do not gloat over me, O my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness the Lord will be my light.
Ephesians 1:16-17
I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory, may give to you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.
My scripture is Hosea 6:4
“Oh, that we might know the Lord!
Let us press on to know him.
He will surely respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.”
Psalms 8:3-4
When I gaze to the skies and meditate on Your creation—on the moon, stars, and all You have made, I can’t help but wonder why You care about mortals— sons and daughters of men— specks of dust floating about the cosmos.
Lamentations 3:22-23 NASB1995
22 The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
My prayers go out to you both, Abbey and your husband, as you wait on news of the tumor. My oldest brother went through pancreas cancer and brain tumor over 2 years ago and he has been cancer free for over a year now. There was so much praying from our church and my friends and family. God is good.
So pleased to hear your brother is doing well ♥️God is Good ♥️Xx
Ephesians 4:29-32
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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
For a time when I’m dealing with so many life-altering issues, I need to step back and consider my family and friends who are traveling this journey with me. We all need to build each other up and be more loving and tolerant during a difficult time for everyone.
Hello Kay and all you lovely ladies , today I have just spent a lovely and peaceful hour rereading through all your Scriptures that you have all chosen and why . It brings such peace and joy to my heart to feel that we are all united by this lovely site . Thank you Kay for such a beautiful idea and to all you likeminded sisters out there . Xx♥️🌈
“Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus.”
Phil. 3:8
Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouth, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
This verse reminds me to be mindful of what I say, not just say what first pops into my head and not to be a gossip.
And my God will meet all your needs, according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.
Phillipians 4:19 NIV
John 10:28 (NIV)
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
Kay- This verse from your blog is so powerful. Thank you.
Galatians 5:6b,14 CEB 22-23 NIV
“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”
“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command. ‘Love your neighbor as yourself'”
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love,joy,peace, patience, kindness,goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,and self-control. There is no law against things like this.”
I am in a stressful situation and think the worst of people. I want to be led by the Spirit not by my fleshly mind. I pray I will love as I want to be loved. I will treat others as I want to be treated. I pray for the fruits of the Spirit to be manifest in my life.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting!”
Psalm 139:23-24 ESV
Blessings to you ladies 💗
I have dearly loved my meditation oh James 1. My verse this week- James 1:21.
“Get rid of all moral filth and the evil which is so prevalent and humbly accept the Word planted in you,which can save you.”
May Gods Word be truly engrafted into our souls.
John 15:13 NIV. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Ephesians 3:18-19 And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may 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—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
I’m battling some confusion at the Property Assessor’s office. So, for the next two weeks I will be meditating on this quote from Jesus. A reminder to be polite to the county employees and turn my stress over to God. The say unto him, Caesar’s. Then sait he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar what is Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s. When they heard these words, they marveled, and left him, and went on their way. Matthew 22:21&22 KJV
Psalm 139:23-24 NAS
Search me O God and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts;
And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.
I love this Psalm, it tells me how intimately God knows all about me! It gives me confidence in Him.
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Eph. 5:16 KJ
My pastor is preaching on Ruth, and your choice was one of the Scriptures he focused on yesterday, Sunday! (I don’t get to this blog until Mondays:)) I will join you in this memorization!
Lisa
Galations 5: 22 – 23
“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.”
I will lift my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from Yahweh, Who made heaven and earth. Psalms 121: 1-2 LSB
John 14:2-3 NKJV “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. Psalm 34:5
I’ve been studying Habakkuk and love his “though – yet resolve”:…. that place where he resolved to stand, whether life made sense or not!!
3:17-19
Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; He makes my feet like the deer’s; He makes me tread on my high places.
Mathew 5:16
Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
I was having trouble coming up with my verse for this go around, but reading thru the verses Pam’s verse stuck with me.
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:36.
I need reminding of this right now. Thank you, Kay, for doing this. I often struggle with the memorizing of the verses but this keeps me going!
Jeremiah 29:11 Amplified
11 For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the LORD, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
On Feb. 23, 2023, our house exploded. We are fine physically, but I am not going to be distracted anymore about it. I am coming back to memorize the verses and to continue in my scripture book. I am latching on to the ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster’.
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. James 1:5 NIV
My verse is from Acts. The story of Peter and John healing a lame man. A dear friend of mine was in a car accident with broken hip and ankle. She is unable to stand and walk,and may be forced into a permanent nursing home. These verses represent my earnest prays for her healing. Acts 3:7-8.”And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood,and walked,and entered with them into the temple,walking,and leaping,and praising God.
I have been memorizing verses in John 15. The next verse is:
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
John 15:7 NKJV
Psalm 8:1 from the NAB – New American Bible:
Oh Lord, our God,
how wonderful your name in all the earth!
(Song of praise)
I love the recent message on DFMD. I will choose Job 19:25.
Yet as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives. And at the last, He will take
His stand on the earth.
Love your verse selection! I will claim it to memorize.
I am choosing Isiah 41:10 (NIV) to meditate on:
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous, right hand.
Good morning, although I’m late posting this I have been keeping up with my scriptures. I’m truly reaping the benefits of this scripture challenge! Thank you Kay and everyone participating! My scripture is from Colossians 1:10-12
“And we pray that in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.”
I heard a beautiful song by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir based on Psalm 34. My chosen verse is verse 3- Glorify the Lord with me;let us exalt His name together.
I feel we are doing that by sharing our faith with each other here on this blog.
Thank you everyone.
My verses are Philippians 2:5-7a
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant
Ephesians 4: 29-30
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 might benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Psalm 73:26 My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart, He is mine forever. NLT
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. ~ Joshua 1:9
He is the head of the body, the church’
He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,
that in all things he might be preeminent.
For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell,
and through him to reconcile all things to him,
making peace by the blood of his cross
(through him), whether those on earth or those in heaven.
Colassians 1: 18-20
Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:3,9
Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.
Revelation 19:11-12
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)
Thanks, Kay, for your thoughtful reflections. I will be praying for your high school friend and his family. I agree that longtime friends hold a special place in our lives.
I am dealing with challenges right now.
We are given many challenges in life and it takes faithfulness to find true success.
My scripture for this week is from Mathew 25:21 NIV
His master replied “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16
I missed the original post. I did not get posts from you for a few days. I figured you were on vacation. Not sure what happened.
“And all your children shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of thy children.” Isaiah 54:13
It is a comfort to me that God is working with my children and grandchildren. May they ever walk in His Ways, even when I am not here to point the way.
May God Himself, the God of Peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it. I Thess 5:23-24
Precious assurance as we pray for ourselves and others.
I am a pastor/ ministers wife also. I have seen many friends come and go through moves and various reasons and seasons of life. After feeling a little lonely, realizing I didn’t have any close girlfriends nearby, I came across this verse: Proverbs 18:24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Yes I have to put my introverted self out there and make the effort to be a friend in word and deed but what a great reminder that I have a friend closer than a brother or sister. A friend like no other in Jesus. I place loyalty as one of my highest priorities in friendship, especially in ministry. I love the relationship between Ruth and Naomi.
Thank you for sharing this.
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.” Isaiah 30:15 (NIV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3: 5-6
Working on this next: ““I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”
Job 42:2 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/job.42.2.ESV
Sorry to be so late. (I was away for a long weekend and then catching up. I was taken a bit by surprise too, as I thought we had another week.)
I’ve chosen 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 (NIV)
I know it’s a well-known and often-chosen verse but it is really resonating with me right now.
My best wishes to you all.
Habakkuk 3: 18-19 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to on the heights.
Habakkuk questions God about what is happening to His people. God responds to Habakkuk, who by Chapter three states, he will rejoice in God His Savior and wait for Him to work it all out. It is OK for us to pour out our grief, our concerns, our questions. And we say, “YET” we will wait on Him.
This is late-I’ve been on vacation and ‘unplugged’.
For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for HIm.
Colossians 1:16
Psalm119 V.105
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
I forgot to post!!
John 14:9
Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 NIV
I’m more than a week late with this post … I chose my verse for week 9. 1Peter 3:4 … You should cloth yourselves with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.
We returned home Saturday evening from a vacation that included a beautiful tulip festival. It was lovely, refreshing, and inspiring.. We met so many Christians, people whose love for God was so joyful that we could see it in their beautiful faces. Last night after a busy day at church, I realized I had not yet entered a selection for my memory/meditation challenge.. I began reading from this very old daily Bible reading book that was first published in 1884…
I came upon this verse that was designated for May 2… The author wrote in 1884 that as Christians we should live with a sweet, pleasant, charming, serene, calm nature… like a garden of God…. My prayer is that I may in some small way be like a little flower, fragrant with the sweetness of Our Savior…
Joshua 1:9 NIV
Have i not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
2 Thessalonians 3:5 (NIV)
May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance and patience.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.
Having literally fallen several times recently, I was looking for a verse that had practical application, as well as a spiritual application. I have found this in Jude 1:24 KJV:
“Now unto Him who is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy”
ISAIAH 64:8
We are the clay, You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand.
This has been very evident in our our little church recently.
I’m always about a week behind! Here is the verse that I’m focusing on – the choir I sing with is working on a song called Be Still.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 46:10-11
Romans 12:17
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
Oops I’m behind in posting my verse. My verse is 2Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Hope everyone is having a good week! 🌷
Psalm 119:97
How I love your instruction. It is my meditation all day long.
Psalm 92:1,2 NASB 1995
It is good to give thanks to the Lord
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
To declare your lovingkindness in the morning
And Your faithfulness by night.
I chose to expand Kay’s selection to two verses. I see these verses as a wonderful reminder and an encouragement that when we are giving thanks and praising God, since if is commanded and encouraged by scripture, that means there must be a reward for doing so. Many times that reward is simple joy but can stretch to abundance of life and beyond. Thank you, Lord, for giving me an abundant, joyful life in You!
Song of Songs 2:15
Catch the foxes for us – the little foxes that ruin the vineyard – for our vineyards are in bloom.
I read this at my daughters wedding shower as advice to her – the little thngs can really get you down, life’s trials, annoyances, small things are like little foxes threatening to steal the fruit of joy, hope, and peace (from a moment to breathe, the (in)courage community