Verse 24

My friends, thank you so much for doing this challenge with me.  A little accountability and support makes all the difference in the world.  So thank you for being my "iron" to help sharpen me this year and keep me in the Word.
My final verse was in a sermon a couple of weeks ago.  It talks about how everything in the Bible was written to encourage us and give us hope.  I thought it was a fitting summary for me.  :)

Romans 15:4  NIV
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.


I'll email you in a few weeks to set up a date for our final celebration!

Verse 23

Happy New Year!
Verse 23 out of 24!  Can you believe you've almost done it!?  After I finish this blog post, I'm looking forward to spending some time going over my verses and reflecting of some of the things God has been trying to teach me this year.

I'm going with an oldie but a goody - the Proverbs 31 woman.  I constantly need reminders that what I do all day is not just pointless drudgery, but it's honoring to God.
Proverbs 31:27-28 NIV
"She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.  Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:"

When we started this thing, I promised a party to all the local friends who made it to the end.  And by "party", I mean an excuse to eat sweets (and coffee or wine, depending on the time of day).  :)  The beginning of February is a little crazy for me, so we'll try to get something on the books for the last week of February.

Verse 22

We are down to the last three verses, ladies!  I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and that the holidays give you some extra time to spend in His Word.  :)

James 1:17 NIV
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Verse 21

I'm copying Allison's verse. Mary's obedience is unbelievable.  I love how she basically says, "Whatever you say, God."  Hopefully memorizing her words will help them to become my words, too.  :)

Luke 1:38 ESV
And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her."

Verse 20

This time I'm going with a verse that's been on my list for a while, but I keep avoiding it.  Maybe because I don't want to be reminded of my sin?  Eesh.

Ephesians 4:29 NIV
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Verse 19

I was looking back over my last few verses and realized that I don't have them committed to memory yet.  So, as I remind myself, let me encourage you, too: don't neglect God's Word in this upcoming busy holiday season.  You are on verse 19 out of 24!  What an accomplishment!  Don't give up! Press on, friends!

Today's sermon was on Ecclesiastes.  [It was really interesting.  You can watch it here if you're interested.] A lot of the book is about how everything here on earth is pointless (my loose translation).  BUT we can rise about the seeming insignificance of all the day-to-day stuff.  At the end of the book the author gives us the key for living our lives down here:
Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV
"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind."

Verse 18

Oh my!  It's 7:30pm, but I made it!
My new verse is II Corinthians 4:17
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.