Wednesday, December 16, 2009

This is what I seek...

Final memory verse for 2009! What an interesting journey this has been. It's funny, I was having a hard time choosing my "final" verse for 2009, then realized I don't have to stop memorizing Scripture! (I'm slow, but I get there.) So, finishing up 2009 with Psalm 27:4:

"One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple."

We're finishing up as a Scripture memory team over on the Living Proof blog where we were told this is Beth Moore's favorite verse - seemed like a good one to end 2009!

Once again, the Amplified Bible gives more insight into the verse:

"One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek, inquire for, and insistently require: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord (in His presence) all the days of my life, to behold and gaze upon the beauty (the sweet attractiveness and the delightful loveliness) of the Lord and to meditate, consider, and inquire in His temple."

And I love how The Message ends the verse:

"I'll contemplate his beauty; I'll study at his feet."

I strongly encourage anyone interested in a life-changing exercise to make a commitment to memorize two Scriptures per month during 2010. Throughout 2009, I chose a few individual verses and several passages. I just added them up and (if my math is right) I've memorized 43 verses this year! In all honesty, I had a couple of stumbles and sputters along the way, but -- to the praise and glory of HIS name alone - I think I now have them all imprinted on my heart and mind!

Contemplate His beauty - study at His feet! You will be blessed and have the opportunity to bless others with His word! Christmas blessings to you and yours and praying for a wonderful 2010!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

To us a child is born...

"The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.

You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest,
as men rejoice
when dividing the plunder.

For as in the day of Midian's defeat,
you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor.

Every warrior's boot used in battle
and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
will be fuel for the fire.

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this."

Isaiah 9:2-7