Hey Siestas,

My name is Mary, and I do all things accounting at Living Proof Ministries.  I haven’t had an opportunity to meet many of you, but I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you through Facebook and the blog.

But the verse in Colossians I keep camping on is a verse of encouragement.  Encouragement in the tough times.  Who can’t use some of that?

Colossians 1:11 in the Message says,

“We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.”

God promises to help us through the hard times.  Too often I exhaust myself trying to push through in my own strength.  In those times when I make it through the storm on my own – it’s without joy and often without thanksgiving!  This verse reminds me to catch myself in the act of gritting my teeth – to stop and instead draw from the “glory-strength God gives.”  It is here in this posture I can rest in His promises.  It is here where He is truly glorified, and it here where I give Him all the thanks He deserves – right in the midst of the storm!

Beth Moore, Houston, TX

“I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel,” Philemon 13 (ESV) 

SSMT 2017 Verse 13! from Living Proof Ministries on Vimeo.

Hey Siestas!

I’m Kimberly, the Prayer Chaplain for Living Proof Ministries! I pray you are all having MUCH success with your memorization!

I have chosen to memorize my life verse in a different version:

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praise shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Philippians 4:6-7 MSG

God has used this verse in my life to teach me to pray, and not to worry. Worry does NOTHING for the glory of God! Worry just makes us sick and tired…doesn’t bring the change we are hoping for, and will affect our health in a negative way. If we continue in worry, I’ve noticed, it makes things harder and more intense. It’s an energy drainer and joy stealer.

When life happens, and it does, don’t worry! PRAY. Let our praises and petitions shape our worries into prayers. Pray with thanksgiving, letting God have our concerns in exchange for His peace.  Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle us down, as Christ displaces worry at the center of our lives.

As I add this version of this verse into my memory bank, it’s clear in the actions for the ending reward! I challenge you to try it, the next time worry pops it’s head up in your sweet life!

Blessings in abundance to you all!

Howdy Everyone!

I’m Jenn and I get the privilege to serve you through the TV ministry here at Living Proof. It’s a TON of fun! Headphones are often in my ears as I view the messages and my office-mates always want to know what I’m laughing at. Today it was Beth’s snake stick story from the Audacious series. If you haven’t ever watched a show, you are missing a BLESSING. I encourage you to jump on the Living Proof app and listen to some great teaching from the Word. O.K. That was a fun rabbit trail but, I digress.

I’m giddy that I get to share my verse with you. Scripture Memory is hard for me. The struggle is real. Right? I know many of you can relate. I’ve had good intentions and failed so many times. I remember very clearly last summer, Beth recited a beautiful chapter of Scripture from the book of Ephesians. She encouraged the staff to PRAY for a supernatural work of the Spirit to enable us to memorize God’s Word. It was a lightbulb moment for me. I had never thought about praying to ask for God’s help in this area. A few months later, I headed into the Entrusted Bible Study and began to memorize the book of 2 Timothy. It’s been quite a journey that has required the Spirit’s help at every turn. I collided with a Scripture many of you know…here it goes:

Jenn Hamm from Cypress, TX

“For God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NET

Paul was speaking this to young Timothy who was beginning to walk out his calling. One of my kiddos struggles with intense fear and anxiety at times. I wanted to be able to pray this verse over him and teach him to wield his sword. I’m so thankful we serve a God who helps us in our time of need. There’s power when we pray His Word over our loved ones. When we have it memorized, we can use it at any moment. I hope this encourages one of you today. Keep pressing on!

Blessings,
jenn

Beth Moore, Houston, TX

“I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment.” Philemon 10 (ESV)