Memory Verse Challenge - Week 8

This week's verse reiterates that God is a loving God.  There is no one more loving and compassionate than Him.  He is the Father and creator of it all.  When we are hurting and struggling, He is the best place to go for comfort.

See the memory verses from past weeks here.

Sunday Blogvotional: Spirit of Power

Do you ever feel intimidated and discouraged? It’s not just the everyday tasks that life calls us to do but it spills over into the things that God has called us to do. Have you ever battled with the belief that you don't have the talent or the resources to complete the things God has asked of you?  The negativity creeps in oh so subtly.  In the back of our minds we're pretty sure who and what is causing this conflict inside of us.  It most assuredly is the one bent on destroying us and any others who will listen to him.

The spirit of fear and failure are not from God.  In contrast, God chooses to provide our needs and to build us up.  He gives us courage.  His spirit strengthens us with love and power. He sent his son to die for us that we might be in heaven with Him. Of course He is going to help us overcome our obstacles. Like Paul, let us press on to the goal God has set before me with that foundation.

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline. 

1 Timothy 1:7

Encouragement for the week:  Don't listen to the negative words.  They are not from God.  Do not fear - God is with you always.  Memorize 1 Timothy 1:7.  When you get intimidated and discouraged say this verse aloud!  It will give you strength.

This week's blogvotional was contributed by my Mumsy.

God's Umbrella

No temptation has seized you except that is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 

1 Corinthians 10:13 (also the memory verse challenge of the week)

You think you know a verse and then one day you notice something you haven't noticed before.  In the verse above the scripture says that when we are tempted God will provide a way out.  And that's where my memory of the verse use to end.  But as you can see - the verse goes on.  It finishes with "so that you can stand up under it" (depending on the version you're using).

I didn't understand what that meant.  A "way" that you can stand up under??  Then something struck me.  I like analogies - they simplify things for me.  So let's draw an analogy where rain represents our trials or the endless temptations from the devil.  There are periods in our lives where we simply get beaten down by the rain.  But God has provided us a way out so that we may stand up under it.

We know through scriptures that God is our shelter.  So with that in mind in our analogy God offers the protection and shelter of an umbrella.  Once it covers us, we are shielded from the barrage of temptations.  We no longer have to endure the constant pelting.  With His coverage we can now pick ourselves back up.  We can "stand up under it" and freely move about in the rain without getting wet.  His "way out" will get us to safer ground.

Now every time I read this verse I picture God's umbrella shelter over me. It gives me a great feeling to know I'm protected.  The rain will always come (the trials, the temptations) but I know enough now to take my Godly umbrella with me wherever I go. It would be foolish to go out unprepared.

Memory Verse Challenge - Week 7

I've been out of town working on some things and am hoping to get back in the swing of things this week.

This week's verse gives me strength during my times of trials.  I know that whatever I'm going through, God knows I can get through it.  All I have to do is look to Him and He will show me the way.

Review the verses from previous weeks here.

Memory Verse Challenge - Week 6

This week's verse reminds me that no matter how weary we get, God IS our strength.  He will infuse us with His power, His strength and His determination.  We will not be defeated. We WILL soar in victory on wings like eagles.  What a great feeling that will be plus the view will be spectacular!

How are you doing on your challenge?  Just getting started?  Don't worry - you can review past verses here.