He will quiet you with His love...

The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

This, to me, is one of the most beautiful verses in the Bible. There is assurance in every word...

He is the LORD.
Your God.
He is with you.
He is mighty.
Mighty to save.
He takes delight in you.
Great delight.
He will quiet you.
With His love.
He rejoices over you.
With singing.

This was one of many verses we read during our Bible study this week (Priscilla Shirer's Discerning the Voice of God - I cannot recommend it highly enough!) and it's one I've loved for years but never fully committed to memory. So that's my plan for the next two weeks. To meditate, internalize, memorize - LIVE this verse. What a beautiful God!

I love words and reading different translations of the Bible always gives interesting insight into a particular verse. I especially loved the Amplified Bible translation of this verse, which goes deeper into the "quieting" of God.

"He will rest [in silent satisfaction]
and in His love He will be silent
and make no mention
[of past sins, or even recall them]."

So much of the time, it is my churning mind, worrying, rehashing or recalling past offenses or sins, that desperately needs quieting. What a beautiful, comforting picture of God's loving care and forgiveness. The Amplified Bible translation goes on to say,

"He will exult over you with singing."

"Rejoice" is defined as feeling and showing great joy and delight. The definition of "exult" goes a step further - it implies elation and celebration as the result of success! God is exulting, rejoicing over us with singing, because He knows the ultimate outcome of our lives - and He sees success in our future. Granted, this is not success by the world's standards, but success by His definition and on His terms. He is faithful. He is good. He is love. And He can be trusted with our lives! Live in this assurance!

My portion forever...

I did actually start this post on March 1, but never got around to finishing it and now, all of the sudden, it's March 4!

Time. It's getting away from me.

I've already been working on these verses, which fall into the category of "Lord, make it so" verses. Kind of like the "instructed tongue" from last month -- I'm not there, but hoping to get there. Anyone know what I mean?

Anyway, here are the verses I'm working on:

"Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever."

Psalm 73:24-25

I'm not sure what exactly drew me to this passage at this time - except a tug to focus on God and God alone. Not His will, not what He can do for me or my family, not even what I can do for Him. I want to seek HIM.

My flesh and my heart my fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. I love how The Message puts this part: "When my skin sags and my bones get brittle, God is rock-firm and faithful." Yep. Good stuff.

I'm a word girl, and the word "portion" intrigues me. The dictionary defines it as a part of a whole; a piece of something. But the Biblical use has a deeper meaning. The Levites - the tribe set aside as priests and temple servants of the God Most High - were not given territory like the other tribes. The Lord was their "portion." They were to rely on Him and He was enough.

Lord, make it so in my life.

(I love the worship song that includes this verse...you can hear it here.)

An instructed tongue?

We're starting a new women's Bible study tonight at FBC Wisner, and preparing for it has inspired my choice of memory verse for the second half of February. It's Isaiah 50:4:

The Sovereign LORD has given me
an instructed tongue,
to know the word that sustains the weary.
He wakens me morning by morning,
wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.

I love this verse - although I cringe when I get to the part about "an instructed tongue." I mean, God may have given me an instructed tongue, but I don't seem to use it very often. I'd love to know the word that sustains the weary - and to be the kind of woman whose speech is marked by grace, wisdom and comfort.

Then we get to the part about "He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught." That's where the new Bible study comes into play. It's "Discerning the Voice of God" by Priscilla Shirer and it's focused on expecting, anticipating the divine voice of God. He can and does speak to His children...are we listening?

Am I?

The New Living Translation puts it this way:

The Sovereign Lord has given me
his words of wisdom,
so that I know how to comfort the weary.
Morning by morning he wakens me
and opens my understanding to his will.

I want to expect, listen, wait patiently -
and obey His voice...
what are you learning from God's word?

To follow is the only free road...

Well, I'm beginning my 2010 Scripture memory journey! I skipped over January, so I'm beginning with a passage of three verses to "catch up!" Since the celebration in Houston with Beth Moore, one verse in particular in Psalm 119 has continued to resonate - verse 32.

I run in the path of your commands,
for you have set my heart free."

So often, we're convinced that freedom is "out there" somewhere, in the wild, untamed jungle of life. But it's impossible to run through that kind of jungle without getting entangled in vines, scratched and bruised by branches or stumbling into unexpected obstacles. You can only run with free, wild abandon on the path - a path made smooth by a loving God.

I love the way the topic of freedom is addressed in The Reason for God (a book I'm re-reading for the third time). The author, Timothy Keller, reasons that freedom is not the absence of restrictions but finding the right ones, "the liberating restrictions." He gives the example of giving up time to practice and strengthen a natural talent or ability. "You've deliberately lost your freedom to engage in some things in order to release yourself to a richer kind of freedom to accomplish other things."

Keller also uses the example of love - the most liberating loss of freedom. In love, we have to lose independence to gain intimacy...and we're happy to do so!

Back to memory work! I'm working on Psalm 119:30-32...

I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set my heart on your laws.

I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD;
do not let me be put to shame.

I run in the path of your commands,
for you have set my heart free.

One more reflection from Beth's teaching on Psalm 119. The Psalmist uses a variety of words for the revelation of God - precepts, word, statutes, commands, teachings, testimonies, judgments, promises. The word "law" is used frequently, but not in the way we might translate it - a list of "do's and don'ts." The word law is more accurately translated as teachings, instructions, communication. One of the main things that sets us apart as the people of God is the fact that He speaks to us. This passage is my prayer - for me and for you.

(If you're memorizing Scripture, I'd love to hear from you! Let me know what verses - and why! I love to know the stories behind the choices!)

...for there I find delight...

It's so hard to describe how an intensely diverse group of women can become a community through their association on the internet. During this past year, hundreds of hearts and lives became intertwined through a year-long Scripture memory challenge on Beth Moore's blog. Twice a month we'd "gather," sharing the verses we chose, revealing ourselves through the words we were clinging to for inspiration and comfort.

The year culminated this past weekend in Houston as Beth, her daughters Amanda and Melissa and the wonderful staff at Living Proof Ministries hosted a Siesta Scripture Memory Team Celebration at their home church - Houston FBC. I wasn't sure if I could go - I didn't know any other women going and I am NO city driver! Jesse came through! I was reviewing my verses on the tractor one day at the farm and he just looked at me and said, "You've worked so hard! I'm taking you to Houston!" So, we hit the road Friday, checked into the Hilton Garden Inn and went off in search of Mexican food before he dropped me off for Friday night's session. Jesse dropped me at the door and I felt a momentary (and completely uncharacteristic!) attack of shyness as I saw groups of women streaming into the church. Fortunately, one of the first girls I saw was Amanda - I felt like I was greeting an old friend!

I wandered into the meeting room (Beth's old Sunday School classroom, as it turns out) and found another woman who was on her own.

"Anyone sitting here?"
"No - please, sit!"

Her name was Karlys (pronounced car-less) and she was from LaPlace, La.! We became instant friends. She and her husband own a business that deals in pagers for church nurseries (kind of like the ones you get at restaurants! Cool, huh?) Another woman, Karen, sat nearby and we visited and "people-watched" before things got started. We were all close to the same age and were struck by how many "younger" women were there - it was a marvelously diverse group! I spotted one of my favorite bloggers, "Big Mama" (who is tiny and adorable) and couldn't resist introducing myself and chatting with her a minute.

When Beth came bursting in the room, the excitement was electric. She, Amanda and Melissa welcomed everyone and told us a few things about ourselves. There were 507 of us from 42 states (including Alaska and Hawaii) and Canada! Twenty-two denominations were represented!

Travis Cottrell led worship, which brought me to tears. Karlys and I talked later about the fact that sometimes the presence of God is so palpable and emotion is so thick and real you can't even sing. It was a relief to be sitting with someone who understood this. Sisters. So cool.

Then Beth bounded up on the platform to teach (not looking at all like someone who had endured a recent surgery/cancer scare). It was actually pretty reassuring to see her acting like we've seen her act through 11 Bible studies and numerous Living Proof weekend events. Funny, animated, touching, passionate - the Beth we know and love.

She taught through the weekend on Psalm 119 - 176 verses of an emotional roller coaster that every woman there could relate to at one point or another. Throughout the weekend, she constructed a "run-on sentence" summarizing the psalm and us as we relate to it. Here are some highlights:

I am a resident alien...

We are sojourners, pilgrims, strangers on this earth. We're not supposed to be at home here. As much as we may try to put our security in some "place" or thing or person, we need to learn to exclaim with the psalmist "you, God, are my portion." (119:57) You are enough. Only you will satisfy.

...seeking direction...

God is capable of leading us, guiding and sustaining - although the light He gives for our path may only illuminate the next step of the journey (115:105) even though we sometimes wish for a floodlight, rather than a lamp. God reveals Himself and His direction through His word and will open our minds so that we can understand. (Luke 24:25).

...in deep want of wonder...

"Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law." (119:18) We have a soul-craving for wonder - a deficit of this wonder creates a profound sense of disenchantment. The psalmist expressed passion, love, delight, joy and wonder in God and His word.

...in peril and need...

The writer of the psalm is not afraid to cry out from the depths of despair ("I am laid low in the dust..." v. 20). He brought his valid lament before God and trusted in His power to revive. There are 70 different prayer requests in the 176 verses of Psalm 119. Beth pointed out how often the psalmist asked God for His favor "in accordance with your promise." Knowing God's word and His promises can give us greater confidence when we bring Him our requests - and our lament.

...troubled by humanity...

The psalmist devotes many verses in Psalm 119 to telling on his enemies. The psalmist boldly asked God to deal with them (vs. 81-88; 118-119; 126). Beth gave a wise reminder that God will act - He will deal with the enemies of His people, but He "takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked." (Ezekiel 33:11).

-- especially my own --

Let's be honest: our own humanity is just as troubling as anything we see on the news. Beth's reminder: "We are the redeemed. Let Him redeem you!" Let His chastisement refine us and make us even more passionate. Another good word - Biblical "blamelessness" is not perfection. It simply means to walk free of the dominion of sin - do not let it rule over us (119:33). It is for freedom that Christ has set us free - we can walk free and we must! Another encouragement - 119:9-11 - when we've hidden His Word in our heart, it will keep our way pure.

knowing that, to follow is the only free road...

No way to improve on the words of 119:30-32 - "I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, O Lord; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free." I love that picture of a path that has been made smooth for us, so we can run with free hearts. Freedom is found on the path.

...for a straying sheep, longing to be found.

I loved this conclusion. After all the declarations of love for Lord and His word, the psalmist had to confess - "I am a lost sheep. Come find me." How beautiful that we can always trust Jesus to come after us. Beth put it this way: "The only reason you know Jesus Christ is because He came looking for you. You may feel that you have temporarily misplaced Him - but He has not misplaced you."

Saturday, Karlys and I joined up with Melanie from Idaho (I met her the night before over Texas sheet cake!) and when it was time to break into twos and threes to share our memory verses, we headed outside for a patch of grass. It was such a fun time, reciting, encouraging (occasionally launching into a pantomime to assist a sister in need!). We high-fived and congratulated each other - and made a pact to continue on with Scripture memory throughout 2010 - holding each other accountable as we go.

When it was time to say goodbye, email addresses were exchanged, along with hugs between these sweet women and others I just barely met, but felt such kinship with. It was a unique experience...strangers becoming friends, linked by a shared love of Jesus and His word. It kind of felt like the curtain was raised just a bit, offering a glimpse of heaven.

Joining hands, hearts with Haiti...

The pictures are heartbreaking. The people of Haiti, already mired in a maze of poverty and chaos, have suffered unimaginable loss. Here, on my couch, wrapped in a warm blanket, I feel helpless. But there is something I can do - that we all can do.

We can pray.

And we can give.

I read something somewhere yesterday that struck me: "Prayers are powerful and effective not because they alter God's providential plan but because they are a part of it."

In this great mystery of our relationship with an all-powerful God, He somehow esteems our heartfelt cries. When our hearts are knit together in prayer, this act of humility, this confession of our need, is somehow woven into God's ultimate, providential plan. Let us be faithful to this precious calling.

We can also give. There are several avenues currently available:

• Text the word "disaster" to 90999 to give $10 to Compassion International’s disaster relief program. (The donation will show up on your cell phone bill.) Or visit here to give. Here's an excerpt from an email I received from Compassion today:
"Without a doubt, the children we serve in Haiti are in shock and face immediate needs for food, water, medical care, shelter and counseling. We have teams prepared to respond, and we are deeply committed to helping each child."

• You can donate to Samaritan's Purse by clicking here and giving to Haiti relief.

• World Vision is another organization with a presence in Haiti. You can donate here.

• Some dear friends just returned from Haiti where they worked with several groups, including Heartline Ministries. To donate to this ministry, click here.

Let's do what we can.

Lord, show them your mercy, according to your great love...

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!