Yesterday, Mission Arlington came and picked up some things from us. Things that had been a blessing to us (bikes, toys, clothes, etc.) but that could now be a blessing to someone else.
We have been planting God's Word in our own hearts and minds...let's not forget to PASS IT ON!
I want to challenge you to speak one of the verses you have memorized to someone who needs encouraging in the next three days! It may be someone at the grocery store, at the cleaners, at your kid's school, a neighbor...
Be alert and watchful! Ask God to show you clearly where He wants you to PASS IT ON!
Press on friends!
Tiffany
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Week #17: Psalm 90:12
Week of April 26-May 2
"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." [Psalm 90:12]
NOTE: We are going to stay in the Psalms one more week! I just couldn't pass this one up!
"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." [Psalm 90:12]
NOTE: We are going to stay in the Psalms one more week! I just couldn't pass this one up!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
My Right Hand
I was having my quiet time in the book of Acts (Ch.7) yesterday and I came across the phrase "right hand" in verse 56. It jumped out at me because our verse this week (Psalm 16:7-8) also refers to the "right hand".
Here's what I found when I "dug a little deeper"-
The use of the phrase "right hand" in the Bible may refer to several things depending upon the context in which it is used. Here are a few examples:
The right hand is a place of distinction and favor (Genesis 48:13-19) as opposed to that of judgment or punishment (Matthew 25:33)
The right hand is a place of honor (1 Kings 2:19; Psalm 45:9); because of this, it is raised in swearing
The right hand is the place of power and strength (Psalm 60:5; 63:8; 108:6; 118:15,16; 110:1; Isaiah 28:2; Matthew 22:44; Matthew 20:21,23)
Let me know if you have something to add to this! I would love know your thoughts and what God has impressed on your heart this week regarding these verses.
Blessings!
Tiffany
Here's what I found when I "dug a little deeper"-
The use of the phrase "right hand" in the Bible may refer to several things depending upon the context in which it is used. Here are a few examples:
The right hand is a place of distinction and favor (Genesis 48:13-19) as opposed to that of judgment or punishment (Matthew 25:33)
The right hand is a place of honor (1 Kings 2:19; Psalm 45:9); because of this, it is raised in swearing
The right hand is the place of power and strength (Psalm 60:5; 63:8; 108:6; 118:15,16; 110:1; Isaiah 28:2; Matthew 22:44; Matthew 20:21,23)
Let me know if you have something to add to this! I would love know your thoughts and what God has impressed on your heart this week regarding these verses.
Blessings!
Tiffany
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Week #16: Psalm 16: 7-8
Week of April 19-25
"I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.
I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." [Psalm 16:7-8]
For an extra challenge, add the next two verses:
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. [Psalm 16: 9-10]
NOTE:
The Psalms were written by at least seven authors (of which David is the most notable.) The book of Psalms spans one thousand years of Israel's rich history-from the time of Moses to the return from exile in Babylonia. The word psalm comes from a Greek word meaning "a song sung to the accompaniment of a plucked instrument." Used as the Temple hymnbook, the Psalms express the diversity of human emotion-praise to God in good times, fear of enemies in bad times, and an overriding confidence in God's goodness, majesty and power.
"I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.
I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." [Psalm 16:7-8]
For an extra challenge, add the next two verses:
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. [Psalm 16: 9-10]
NOTE:
The Psalms were written by at least seven authors (of which David is the most notable.) The book of Psalms spans one thousand years of Israel's rich history-from the time of Moses to the return from exile in Babylonia. The word psalm comes from a Greek word meaning "a song sung to the accompaniment of a plucked instrument." Used as the Temple hymnbook, the Psalms express the diversity of human emotion-praise to God in good times, fear of enemies in bad times, and an overriding confidence in God's goodness, majesty and power.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Week #15: Job 19:25
Week #15 April 12-18
"I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth." [Job 19:25]
NOTE: The events begin in chapter 1 with Satan challenging God that Job only follows Him because of what God gives him. The events then move to earth where Satan causes Job’s world to fall apart and then attacks Job’s health.
God allows Satan to test Job, and Job through his free will eventually demonstrates to Satan that he accepts and trusts God in spite of all his undeserved suffering.
Question to ponder: When I am suffering or under great pressure, am I confident in God’s character—that God is my comforter, strengthener, and restorer?
"I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth." [Job 19:25]
NOTE: The events begin in chapter 1 with Satan challenging God that Job only follows Him because of what God gives him. The events then move to earth where Satan causes Job’s world to fall apart and then attacks Job’s health.
God allows Satan to test Job, and Job through his free will eventually demonstrates to Satan that he accepts and trusts God in spite of all his undeserved suffering.
Question to ponder: When I am suffering or under great pressure, am I confident in God’s character—that God is my comforter, strengthener, and restorer?
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Running in the Rain
This morning I headed out to run. The clouds were becoming darker and five minutes into my run, it started to rain. Initially, I thought "this is a bummer"! I had geared up to run a couple miles and now there is a rain cloud hanging over me!
God brought to mind the perfect spiritual illustration for my past week or two of scripture memory. The circumstances and events of living life have "clouded" my weeks and I have felt a little overwhelmed with the "rain" of life. Why does it have to rain on me now?
I had to make a choice: keep running or turn back. I chose to keep running. And wouldn't you know...that God turned those raindrops into a sweet time of refreshment! The coolness of the rain on my face and the realization that our faithful God is replenishing the earth with much needed water.
Sometimes we read the WORD and study simply out of the discipline God has called us to. But then, it becomes like a sweet refreshment to our souls and the blessing is ours! Isn't God good?
Press on friends!
(A little wet) Tiffany
God brought to mind the perfect spiritual illustration for my past week or two of scripture memory. The circumstances and events of living life have "clouded" my weeks and I have felt a little overwhelmed with the "rain" of life. Why does it have to rain on me now?
I had to make a choice: keep running or turn back. I chose to keep running. And wouldn't you know...that God turned those raindrops into a sweet time of refreshment! The coolness of the rain on my face and the realization that our faithful God is replenishing the earth with much needed water.
Sometimes we read the WORD and study simply out of the discipline God has called us to. But then, it becomes like a sweet refreshment to our souls and the blessing is ours! Isn't God good?
Press on friends!
(A little wet) Tiffany
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Coffee Time, please!
Hi everyone-
I just posted this week's verse in Esther. Please take a few minutes in the next day or two to read her story and understand the context of this verse. There are only 10 chapters in the book of Esther, so an easy read, right? She has an amazing story!
I will be at Starbucks this Wednesday, April 8, from noon til 1:00. (Park Row/Bowen)
I know things are super busy for everyone, but if you can make it for just a little while, I think you will be encouraged!
This "coffee time" is simply a means to spur each other on. Even if you have fallen behind or have done just a couple of the memory verses, please come! The spiritual nuggets of truth that are shared during this time are wonderful-
Blessings!
Tiffany
I just posted this week's verse in Esther. Please take a few minutes in the next day or two to read her story and understand the context of this verse. There are only 10 chapters in the book of Esther, so an easy read, right? She has an amazing story!
I will be at Starbucks this Wednesday, April 8, from noon til 1:00. (Park Row/Bowen)
I know things are super busy for everyone, but if you can make it for just a little while, I think you will be encouraged!
This "coffee time" is simply a means to spur each other on. Even if you have fallen behind or have done just a couple of the memory verses, please come! The spiritual nuggets of truth that are shared during this time are wonderful-
Blessings!
Tiffany
Week #14: Esther 4:14b
Week #14: April 5-11
"And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" [Esther 4:14b)
NOTE: Esther was a young Jewish woman of wonderful character, intelligence, beauty, and initiative. She understood submission to authority and then how to use authority when she was in a position to do so. She was teachable and also a leader. She waited to take the right action at the right time.
Do I know when to keep silent and when to speak; when to patiently wait and when to act; and how to act when the opportunity arises?
"And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" [Esther 4:14b)
NOTE: Esther was a young Jewish woman of wonderful character, intelligence, beauty, and initiative. She understood submission to authority and then how to use authority when she was in a position to do so. She was teachable and also a leader. She waited to take the right action at the right time.
Do I know when to keep silent and when to speak; when to patiently wait and when to act; and how to act when the opportunity arises?
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Progress Reports
I got a message today from the school that said my kids "progress reports" come home tomorrow from their teachers. This is always kind of a tense day when we all hold our breath to see how hard my kids will need to work to maintain or obtain a desired grade for the six weeks!
How's your progress in our quest to memorize scripture? Are you maintaining your good study habits or do you need to "hunker down" and put your "nose to the grindstone"?
This last week I got in a little bit of a slump, so I am regrouping and pushing forward!
As I was trying to figure out how to end this post, my funny husband chimed in and said "God doesn't grade on a curve....so get with it" or "the big exam is coming..don't flunk out" or "if you don't start memorizing, you will never graduate!" (we had a good laugh!)
The truth is- there is so much grace!
Press on friends!
Tiffany
How's your progress in our quest to memorize scripture? Are you maintaining your good study habits or do you need to "hunker down" and put your "nose to the grindstone"?
This last week I got in a little bit of a slump, so I am regrouping and pushing forward!
As I was trying to figure out how to end this post, my funny husband chimed in and said "God doesn't grade on a curve....so get with it" or "the big exam is coming..don't flunk out" or "if you don't start memorizing, you will never graduate!" (we had a good laugh!)
The truth is- there is so much grace!
Press on friends!
Tiffany
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Week #13: Nehemiah 6:9b
Week #13: March 29-April 4
"But I prayed, "Now strengthen my hands." " [Nehemiah 6:9b]
NOTE: Nehemiah went to Jerusalem (444 BC) in response to the report that the remnant was in “great distress and reproach” (Nehemiah 1:3). He worked toward the establishment of Israel’s homeland security and national welfare by concentrating on the completion of the Jerusalem wall and gates in the face of enemy propaganda, ridicule, threats, compromise, slander, and treachery (Nehemiah 1-7), and by bringing about spiritual revitalization of the Jewish people now in Judah (Nehemiah 8-13).
Nehemiah was a patriot, leader, and man of action—all under God’s motivation and guidance. He excelled as a spiritual, political, and military leader. Nehemiah stood out as a man driven by the biblical worldview in a world driven by antagonism to God and God’s word.
Big Ideas: Leadership, courage, and persistence!
Since we will need to skip some books to come out to 52 weeks in a year, I am skipping II Chronicles and Ezra.
"But I prayed, "Now strengthen my hands." " [Nehemiah 6:9b]
NOTE: Nehemiah went to Jerusalem (444 BC) in response to the report that the remnant was in “great distress and reproach” (Nehemiah 1:3). He worked toward the establishment of Israel’s homeland security and national welfare by concentrating on the completion of the Jerusalem wall and gates in the face of enemy propaganda, ridicule, threats, compromise, slander, and treachery (Nehemiah 1-7), and by bringing about spiritual revitalization of the Jewish people now in Judah (Nehemiah 8-13).
Nehemiah was a patriot, leader, and man of action—all under God’s motivation and guidance. He excelled as a spiritual, political, and military leader. Nehemiah stood out as a man driven by the biblical worldview in a world driven by antagonism to God and God’s word.
Big Ideas: Leadership, courage, and persistence!
Since we will need to skip some books to come out to 52 weeks in a year, I am skipping II Chronicles and Ezra.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Week #12: I Chronicles 28:20
Week of March 22-28
[David also said to Solomon his son,] (optional)
"Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. " [I Chronicles 28:20]
NOTE: David's final words to Solomon reflect the same wholehearted devotion to God that he first expressed as a youthful shepherd in the pasturelands of Judea. With the dream of his heart (building a temple) entrusted to his son and the tokens of God's blessing all around him, David died " at a good old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth and honor. His son Solomon succeeded him as king. "(I Chronicles 29:28)
[David also said to Solomon his son,] (optional)
"Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. " [I Chronicles 28:20]
NOTE: David's final words to Solomon reflect the same wholehearted devotion to God that he first expressed as a youthful shepherd in the pasturelands of Judea. With the dream of his heart (building a temple) entrusted to his son and the tokens of God's blessing all around him, David died " at a good old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth and honor. His son Solomon succeeded him as king. "(I Chronicles 29:28)
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Spring Break Work Out!
It's Spring Break! It would be easy to skip my workouts at the gym, to eat fast food all week, to ignore my personal quiet times and to slack off on the memory verse for this week!
But, I am determined to go the distance! How about you?
I set a goal that by Friday I would have this week's verse memorized AND polish up on the couples verses that just don't "stick" as easily
Press on everyone!
Tiffany
But, I am determined to go the distance! How about you?
I set a goal that by Friday I would have this week's verse memorized AND polish up on the couples verses that just don't "stick" as easily
Press on everyone!
Tiffany
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Week #11: II Kings 13:23
Week of March 15-21
"But the LORD was gracious to them and had compassion and showed concern for them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. To this day he has been unwilling to destroy them or banish them from his presence. " [II Kings 13:23]
NOTE: For generations God has been preparing a people (the Jews), a king (David) and a kingdom, (Judah) through whom he would bless the world. In spite of the nation's unbelief, disobedience, and even displacement from the land, God's plan for them is still at work.
"But the LORD was gracious to them and had compassion and showed concern for them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. To this day he has been unwilling to destroy them or banish them from his presence. " [II Kings 13:23]
NOTE: For generations God has been preparing a people (the Jews), a king (David) and a kingdom, (Judah) through whom he would bless the world. In spite of the nation's unbelief, disobedience, and even displacement from the land, God's plan for them is still at work.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Coffee Time!
Hey everyone-
The last meeting at Starbucks was so helpful! Let's do it again!
I will be at Starbucks at Park Row and Bowen this Thursday, March 12th from 12:15-1:00.
Please come if you can. Bring your little ones if you need to!
See ya then!
Tiffany
The last meeting at Starbucks was so helpful! Let's do it again!
I will be at Starbucks at Park Row and Bowen this Thursday, March 12th from 12:15-1:00.
Please come if you can. Bring your little ones if you need to!
See ya then!
Tiffany
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Week #10: 1 Kings 3:9
Week of March 8-14
"So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?" [1 Kings 3:9]
After David's death, Solomon steps into the enormous responsibilities as God's anointed. When confronted by God with the invitation "Ask, and I will give it to you!" (3:5), Solomon replies with our memory verse for this week. (3:9) God also provides the things Solomon could have asked for but didn't: wealth, victory, fame and long life.
NOTE: The NLT Bible states: "For who BY HIMSELF is able to govern this great nation of yours?"
"So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?" [1 Kings 3:9]
After David's death, Solomon steps into the enormous responsibilities as God's anointed. When confronted by God with the invitation "Ask, and I will give it to you!" (3:5), Solomon replies with our memory verse for this week. (3:9) God also provides the things Solomon could have asked for but didn't: wealth, victory, fame and long life.
NOTE: The NLT Bible states: "For who BY HIMSELF is able to govern this great nation of yours?"
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Sacrifice- what is my cost?
As I have been meditating on II Samuel 24:24 this week, I find myself continually asking the questions: What does sacrifice look like in MY life? Does it hurt? Does it make me uncomfortable? To what point am I willing to surrender?
Webster's dictionary defines sacrifice as " the surrender of something prized or desirable for the sake of something considered as having a higher or more pressing claim."
Take time today to think about what "sacrifice" looks like in your life.
May the Lord give you wisdom and insight and may He be glorified in your sacrifice!
Tiffany
Webster's dictionary defines sacrifice as " the surrender of something prized or desirable for the sake of something considered as having a higher or more pressing claim."
Take time today to think about what "sacrifice" looks like in your life.
May the Lord give you wisdom and insight and may He be glorified in your sacrifice!
Tiffany
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Week #9: 2 Samuel 24:24b
Week of March 1-7
"I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." [2 Samuel 24:24b]
NOTE: The context of this passage is what makes this verse so significant. King David arrived to worship God at the farmland of Araunah, the Jebusite. The native was so thrilled that royalty came to his home that he urged David to freely use whatever land, wood and livestock he wanted for his sacrifice. However, David knew that a sacrifice that costs nothing wasn't a sacrifice at all. True worship always requires something from us. True worship is costly.
"I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." [2 Samuel 24:24b]
NOTE: The context of this passage is what makes this verse so significant. King David arrived to worship God at the farmland of Araunah, the Jebusite. The native was so thrilled that royalty came to his home that he urged David to freely use whatever land, wood and livestock he wanted for his sacrifice. However, David knew that a sacrifice that costs nothing wasn't a sacrifice at all. True worship always requires something from us. True worship is costly.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Week #8: 1 Samuel 16:7
Week of February 22-28
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." [1 Samuel 16:7]
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." [1 Samuel 16:7]
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Pressing on!
Hi all!
We had a great time yesterday at Starbucks! We will plan on doing this at least once a month.
Susan, Laura, Sara and I shared some tips that help us when we memorize scripture. We also talked about where we put our memory cards so that they are always on our mind and just shared some neat things about what we are learning.
Here are a couple things that work for us:
Write your memory verse in your daily planner so that you see it every day.
Keep a copy of your verse near your kitchen sink (we are never far from there!)
Keep note cards with verses in your car (not to be reviewed while driving, please!)
We also shared some silly ways that we remember the "address" of the verse!
I hope that you can join us next time.
This is a great journey to share!
Blessings!
Tiffany
We had a great time yesterday at Starbucks! We will plan on doing this at least once a month.
Susan, Laura, Sara and I shared some tips that help us when we memorize scripture. We also talked about where we put our memory cards so that they are always on our mind and just shared some neat things about what we are learning.
Here are a couple things that work for us:
Write your memory verse in your daily planner so that you see it every day.
Keep a copy of your verse near your kitchen sink (we are never far from there!)
Keep note cards with verses in your car (not to be reviewed while driving, please!)
We also shared some silly ways that we remember the "address" of the verse!
I hope that you can join us next time.
This is a great journey to share!
Blessings!
Tiffany
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Help! I'm getting behind!
Scripture memory is a discipline, requiring hard work. Like all disciplines, you can expect to enjoy varying degrees of success. By now, you are working on your 7th entry. And, like running any race, you're probably starting to feel the burn. A couple of things to keep in mind to help you stay the course:
1. You're in a marathon, not a sprint. Try to keep a steady pace. In this race, it's better that you finish well than to finish first.
2. Make up the distance on the downhills. You may lose some momentum when life is busy or you are wrestling with any number of other challenges. Don't get discouraged. When you get some margin [a vacation, a road trip, a weekend retreat], focus on one or two extra verses.
3. Take a shortcut if you must. Marathon courses are carefully monitored to make sure runners don't slip down alleys to the finish. In the Spiritual disciplines, you're permitted to take a shorter route. Some of the entries posted here may have two- or three-verse selections. Feel free to simply memorize a portion of what is provided. Similarly, if you prefer to memorize a different text, do so! This is about how you are personally connecting with God.
4. Cherish the experience. I've had the opportunity to run in several races with a view that, one day, I may run a marathon. When I do, I won't care so much that I've kept up with all the other runners, or that I make the top list of finishers. I will embrace the whole experience: the gratitude of being challenged, the satisfaction of aiming high, the joy of doing it with my running companions. These same big picture principles are important to remember as you press on to memorize God's Word.
So, stay in the race! I'm cheering for you!
1. You're in a marathon, not a sprint. Try to keep a steady pace. In this race, it's better that you finish well than to finish first.
2. Make up the distance on the downhills. You may lose some momentum when life is busy or you are wrestling with any number of other challenges. Don't get discouraged. When you get some margin [a vacation, a road trip, a weekend retreat], focus on one or two extra verses.
3. Take a shortcut if you must. Marathon courses are carefully monitored to make sure runners don't slip down alleys to the finish. In the Spiritual disciplines, you're permitted to take a shorter route. Some of the entries posted here may have two- or three-verse selections. Feel free to simply memorize a portion of what is provided. Similarly, if you prefer to memorize a different text, do so! This is about how you are personally connecting with God.
4. Cherish the experience. I've had the opportunity to run in several races with a view that, one day, I may run a marathon. When I do, I won't care so much that I've kept up with all the other runners, or that I make the top list of finishers. I will embrace the whole experience: the gratitude of being challenged, the satisfaction of aiming high, the joy of doing it with my running companions. These same big picture principles are important to remember as you press on to memorize God's Word.
So, stay in the race! I'm cheering for you!
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