SSMT: Verse 2

As I visited several blogs I follow (Feedly is an awesome Reader), this scripture chose me for the next two weeks or so for Beth Moore's Siesta Scripture Memory Team:

The scripture's background refers to when God was sending the plagues up0n Pharaoh and the people, to when God was reminding Moses that He could have totally wiped out the Israelites, also, but, no, there was a plan...a plan that included you and me.

Aren't you thankful?

Sometimes, in our day-to-day lives, when we want to question, "Why me, Lord?", this scripture contains the words upon which to rest.

Just last week in one of my classes and then later with my colleagues, I shared that when I obtained my master's degree in secondary administration and curriculum, I felt driven, led...a God-chosen decision...to obtain that particular master's degree.  Since then, though, every time I have applied for any administrative or curriculum position, I have never been selected.  Not once.  None.  I remain in the classroom; this is my 24th year, 15 years after earning and receiving that degree.

Could it be that I obtained that degree to be able to give that very testimony?

For then, I had to finish it.  Still, deep in my soul, when I get very still and listen, I still feel that affirmation that I (or we...yes, a God-led decision) made the right degree choice.  Yes, the peace returns even now.  I pray that in that setting of education that the testimony built within my narrative spoke to even just one person.

If I travel back to Moses' time, I just have to think that he must have thought a time...or two...or three..."Why me, Lord?"  Think about all that he went through...a man, a stutterer, lacking confidence, dealing with an upset King and a group of excited people (at first), then a group of very discontented people. Very irritated at times, they were.

Please don't take this wrong, for I love...dearly...the Bible, but many of the narratives leave out some of the human details what Moses (and others) went through to obtain their mighty testimonies.  Yes, I am looking forward to having the time to sit and listen to all these great heroes and heroines stories!  Won't that be fun!

At 24 years in education, my career is more than half completed.  I want Exodus 9:16 fulfilled within me:  that His Purpose, His Power, His Name Proclaimed be fulfilled through me, that I be at Peace with His Decisions for me, that, while I may knock on doors, that He open only that keep me in His Perfect Will.

Would love to hear to hear from you...where are you in this journey of life to remain in His Perfect Will?

Blessings to you today!

Chronological Read: Thoughts about Noah

Below are the comments I posted for today's Bible read:

One year on the boat! That's quite a long time. I had not noticed that length of time before.

It will be interesting one day in Heaven to hear the story of that time. 

This reminds me of the song..."Sometimes, He calms the storm...sometimes, He calms me." I imagine there was quite a time when those outside wanted in...very desperately; but God had shut them in. Surely, He calmed those inside. I know I sure appreciate when He calms me during my storms.

I also thought it was interesting how the animals came to Noah. Just a gentle reminder that when we have so much going on in our lives, God takes care of details. He is ever mindful.

It has rained and rained here in Arkansas. What a great reminder this read is that He reigns...but will never rain again as He did then.  As Joanne Weaver commented, His Mercy, though, is tremendous, for His heart must be breaking when He looks at our world's condition.

It's not too late to join in the read-along and enjoy the comments here.

Study, Obey, Teach

My first scripture to memorize for Beth Moore's SSMT is Ezra 7:10 -

Now Ezra had determined in his heart to study the law of the Lord, obey it, and teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel.

Now read with your name substituted -

Now Tammy had determined in her heart to study the law of the Lord, obey it, and teach its statutes and ordinances in Arkansas.

Yes, that speaks to me.

• Study
• Obey
• Teach 

This scripture also popped off the screen last evening as I was looking up a chronological version of the Bible for possible purchase in my read-along for Joanne Weaver's Challenge to read the Bible in chronological order in one year.  Here, I found a site with support materials for this challenge (some resources are free; some are not).  In the writer's bio, he used the above scripture.

What does this mean?  Nothing to no one but myself...just caused my spirit to quicken a bit.  More like a spiritual pat on the back of confirmation of my first scripture choice.  Ahhhh...thank you, Lord.

This scripture is also the Memory Verse in our Sunday School literature for next week.  It almost feels like cheating to use one for another study.  Wait!  Any way we learn scripture is pure honesty...no cheating here!  

This may be the method I use throughout the year;  I'll just wait and see what scriptures He provides through the Sunday School studies and what scriptures speak to me through the chronological read.  I just know that my life is busy, and if I may merge these studies, I will focus more and learn more.

What is this scripture saying thus far to me?

• Study:  I want to complete this read of the Bible.  Never have I read the entire Bible.  I have been all over it; just not a complete read.  Yes, I write that with shame.  (NOTE:  Completer is my one word for the My One Word Challenge.)  As a growing Christian, I am more convinced than ever that IN His Word is where I need to be.
• Obey:  All of it.  There are places in my life where I need to be a better Christian.  I am certain that through these studies and focuses that He is going to continue to speak to me about those particular places!  He is just that kind of God!
• Teach:  Besides two classes at church, I want to partake in teaching my daughter more, the children in our church more, my grandgirls more, me more.  Just more.

How are you studying or learning the Bible more this year?

Blessings as you read.