A Challenge Evoked...

Last night at church we were going over Ephesians 1:15-19.  Pastor Troy had mentioned a few times the desire to memorize verses 17-19, and I had those very verses highlighted in my Bible, so, at the end of our meeting, I evoked a challenge... "I'll quiz you if you will quiz me Sunday".

Oh my!  Talk about a direct hit since then!  Today I have felt AWFUL!  Don't want the lights on, let alone to pick up something to read!  After laying around most of the day, however, the Lord has given me the precise amount of energy I need to pick up His Word and prepare for the challenge ahead.

I (pray) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. I (pray) that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength. Ephesians 1:17-19

Turn on the news and it is evident we are in a very trying time in our country...one that is becoming increasingly hostile to those of the faith.  That is going to prove to be very good...and very devastating.   It is when persecution comes that those with a true faith will chose to stand against the current, and those who are weak in the faith will waiver. 

My challenge to you is to begin building your strength in Him, so when that time comes you will not be one who waivers.

If you see me, I ask for you to please quiz me on this verse...I desperately need to be praying it over my children, their friends, my neighbors, my family, my friends...please pray with me.

Over the next month I am also hoping to add a page to this blog that will highlight memory verses in video form.  One of the methods I use to memorize Scripture is to create movements for it and teach them to my children.  This has been very successful in the past, and I would love it if it is able to assist you in memorization as well.

In the mean time - have a blessed day!

Jennifer

The LOVE Chapter...Verse by Verse

He says...

"(Love is not) rude.

It does not demand its own way.

It is not irritable,

and it keeps no record of being wronged."

1 Corinthian 13:5 (NLT)

Oh, man, I hear...

"Love does not act ugly to anyone,
regardless of my mood or circumstances. 
Love does not demand things
always be done my way,
but allows (my children) to explore
and come up with their own God-given
creative ways to conquer the tasks
and difficulties He has given them to overcome. 
Love does not lose it's temper
when things do not go my way
(esp. with the children),
it does not act foolishly in the
process of instructing my children
to not act foolishly. 
Love does not get upset or
angry over 'spilled milk'. 
Love lets go
of past mistakes...Mine and Others..."

1 Corinthians 13:5

(My Interpretation)

All I can say is this is getting a little too close for comfort!  I praise God for the 'interpretation' He is speaking to my heart because He reminds me of it as I walk it out through the day.  I am a mom of 6 children from 10 down to 1 1/2, so my interpretation at this stage in my life has a lot to do with the children I am constantly with.  Your interpretation may be about going to school, going to work, or dealing with life while being single and alone.  Regardless of your life situation right now, I urge you to get a notebook and jot down your own interpretation of these verses. 

What we are doing here is in part what you call 'studying the Scriptures'.  God's word is timely and meaningful to everyone-regardless of where they are in life.  We have to apply His word to our life in the right here/right now.  Your interpretation will probably look a lot different than mine!  I encourage you, write it out!  Or, leave an anonymous comment with your version of one of these verses, wouldn't it be great to see all the various interpretations that could be pulled from this single verse of God's word?

I pray you have a VERY blessed day!