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“And He said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”

Luke 12:15

Covetousness (one definition: a wrongful desire to possess what God has not ordained you to have; this desire is usually directed at what belongs to another). This is a quality that a believer should not have – and yet, how often do we unconsciously sin against, “Thou shalt not covet?” Covetousness can be a slippery monster that oozes in unconsciously. Whether it is coveting another’s car, house, financial status, figure, style, or even husband, many of us struggle with this sin.

The latter part of this verse challenged me, “a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” That is an interesting thought. It does not matter how much or how little we have – the things that matter are deeper-rooted: our heart, our faith, our trust. Let us not be worried about the outward things that will one day be destroyed. Rather, let our focus be on things of Eternity!! What life really consists of!

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How has your verse challenged you this week?

Are you faithfully reviewing your other thirty verses? It is very easy to memorize a verse for a week, but remember: we are trying to keep all fifty-two verses memorized this year!!!

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The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

Isaiah 40:8

The one truth that I have heard since birth is that God's Word is eternal. It is unchanging. Nothing in life is as certain as God and His Word. What a blessing it is to cling to such truths!!!

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What is your thirtieth verse?

How has God used it to encourage, strengthen, or challenge you?

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Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 1 Peter 3:16

This week: Look up at least three words in your verse. Does it help you to understand your verse better?

My answer:
   Conscience – co-perception, moral consciousness
   Speak evil – be a traducer, slander
   Evil-doers – a bad-doer, criminal
   Ashamed – to shame down, disgrace, or put to blush
   Conversation – behavior
(all definitions from Strong’s concordance)

This verse gives an idea of how we should live our lives. As I reread it, I was reminded of a similar command for young women in 1 Timothy 5:14, “I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.” If we live our lives uprightly, then the enemy will be unable to successfully find a target for his darts.

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What have you been memorizing this summer?

What has the Lord been teaching you through your verses?

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But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 1 Peter 3:15

Question for this week:
~What is one (or more!) lesson you’ve learned from this verse?

My answer:
The starting point is sanctification (make holy, purify, or consecrate – Strong’s definition). Next, we are to be ready – a phrase that gives the idea of action: studied up, waiting. Then, if you notice, we are not simply to give our answer, but to do it with meekness (mildness, humility – Strong’s definition) and fear. This is a challenge for us, as God’s children, to be a testimony – a verbal testimony – of what He has done in our lives!!

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Please share your thoughts with your verse!!

I know that summer is generally a busy time for all of you, but I urge you to continue with your memory. Let us not allow the busyness of life distract us from something that will last a life-time!

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"I, even I, am the Lord; 

and beside Me there is no Savior."

Isaiah 43:11

This simple, unchanging truth struck me the other day as I was reading my Bible. In the day and age that we live in, what a wonderful Scripture this is to hide in my heart!

Today, we have confused the simplicity of salvation. Instead of trusting in the only One Way (“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6), many have been deceived into following lies. No one can gain eternal life through Ala, Mohammed, Buddha, Mary, works, good morals, strict convictions, sincerity, or other avenues. There is no other Savior besides Jesus Christ our Lord! There is no other way to have salvation except to repent from our sins and accept Him into our hearts!

I beg you: let no one sway you from this simple truth.

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How has your verse spoken to you this week? Please comment and let us know! We are not merely memorizing God’s Word to rattle off like robots, but we are learning and gleaning. :)