No Ears

Mark 16:15 "And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.'"

This is our new memory verse for the week. Each morning we read Scripture and go over all of our memory work. We are using this memory system. In a month's time we review all Scriptures we have memorized. It is a great tool.

My littlest one didn't quite understand our verse.

"Inger":

"But, Mommy, creatures can't understand and talk!"

As I explained to her what creatures meant, I was reminded of the verse that exhorts us to praise God and speak forth His Word, and when we don't, even the rocks and creation will cry out.

That even flabbergasted her more.

Open our mouths, Lord.

What If???

we no longer had the written Word of God at our disposal?

we were banned from loudly proclaiming the Good News?

there was no possibility to hear preaching that encouraged?

As my sister and I were reciting our weekly Bible memory work to each other today, these questions surfaced. We have finished the first 3 chapters of James, and as we reviewed the second chapter today, which is a tongue twister....lots of faiths and works....she reminded me that the reason we do this is to get the Word in our mind, not to get all the wording just so.

For if we did have all our freedoms stripped, we would still have the "Word implanted, which is able to save our souls."

Bible Memory can seem tedious at times, but is so important to renewing our mind.

What are you memorizing? If not anything, I encourage you to do so.

Abiding In Christ

I am preparing to present a devotional at our Ladies' Prayer Breakfast this Saturday. So, I am facing one of the most dreaded things in my life....speaking in front of people. Yet, I know every time I do this, it gets easier.

I will be encouraging our ladies to abide in Christ. As I have been studying John 15:1-11, I have again purposed to make this a must every day, preferably in the wee hours of the morning. This is a battle I constantly face - getting my feet planted on the floor before the sun is up.

But as I study about abiding in Christ, I become invigorated. I know my strength lies in Him alone. How can I expect to respond to the constant barrage of life, without looking to Him first? But, abiding in Christ, isn't just checking the box of "quiet time". It is a constant, minute by minute, hour by hour realization my God is with me. He sees everything I do and think.

I want the mind of Christ.

I want to abide with Him.

And then this will be the outcome:

II Corinthians 2:14

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place."

How are you abiding in Christ this week? Try memorizing His Word.

So much to do, So little time, Losing my mind

Ten years ago, I never thought I would get to the point in my life that I need to write everything down in order to remember it. Well, here I find myself. No matter how hard I try, I forget. Even when I say it over and over in my mind, sometimes just minutes later, I can't remember. I'd like to think that I can at least remember what I walked into a room for....

This is the very reason Psalm 119:11 is important...we must hide God's Word in our hearts. These precious words are the vitality of our very lives. If we are to remember anything at all, may it be the life changing words of our heavenly Father. He has given us promises, commandments and exhortations that should overflow into all areas of life. I am in the midst of memorizing the book of James with my sister. May I recomment this site to help you in this effort of "hiding God's Word in your heart"

Today is also a special day here at the Ponderosa. "Little Joe" turned 11 today. I am so thankful for my dear second son. He brings joy to each day and always is full of laughs. We look foward to celebrating tomorrow at a local park. He is growing into such a fine young man, who exudes compassion and love to the people around him.