Year Verses
From time to time throughout the years, the Lord has given Dr. Temple certain verses that he has claimed for his "year verse." Each of these verses he has claimed in a special way, believing that God would teach him in detail the meaning of the verse and that He would use it in his life in a special way during the year. Many of these, done in calligraphy for him by his daughter, Faith, hang in the narthex of the sanctuary.
In 1935, after the initial excitement of his conversion had waned, Joe began to be discouraged about his lack of spiritual growth and the uncertainty of his future. God brought to his attention Luke, chapter 5, verse 4: "Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught." The Lord spoke to his heart through that verse that he must launch out into the deep, cut loose from his fears and trust God and never turn back to shore. That verse became his first year verse and has remained a key verse for his life of faith through the years.
In 1959, Joe was led to claim Psalm 37, verses 23 and 24: "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand." God proved Himself true in regard to those verses for that year.
In 1960, the Lord laid on Joe's heart to claim Isaiah, chapter 45, verse 11: "Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me."
In 1962, Joe claimed Isaiah, chapter 43, verse 2: "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." In each of these years, these verses were used in a special way in the life of Joe Temple and his family.
Joe's year verse in 1963 saw some real changes and real growth in the ministry of the Bible Center. In January of 1963, Joe was led to claim I Chronicles, chapter 4, verses 9 and 10: "And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested." Joe gave several lessons on these verses during the year. This became a series, which is now in print, entitled the Jabez Series.Joe claimed the verse, that God would enlarge the boundaries, in regard to the radio ministry, that there would be another program added to the ones already on the air. He claimed the verse in regard to the enlarging of the boundaries in the physical plant of the church as the space was crowded, and many thing were needed. He claimed the verse in regard to the enlarging of the missionary program carried on by the church, believing that an additional missionary would be supported by the church. Finally, he claimed the verse in regard to a television ministry that he had been praying about for some time. All of these things he believed God would do in answer to the prayers of the church and himself in claiming the promise from I Chronicles, chapter 4, verses 9 and 10.
After studying these verses in depth and seeking the mind of the Lord concerning them throughout the year and teaching what God revealed to him to his congregation, Dr. Temple gave what he called "A Rehearsal of Blessing" early in 1964. In this sermon, he told how God had answered prayer in regard to each of these areas.
As we consider God's working in enlarging the coast of the Bible Center, we need to back up just a bit, back to 1959, to see how the Lord was laying the groundwork for the expansion that was to follow. | |
Abilene Bible Church
3125 Oldham Lane
Abilene, Texas 79602
325-677-8653
(at Loop 322 & Potosi Road Exit)
Sunday School 9:30 AM*
Worship Service 10:35 AM*
Children's Church 11:15 AM
Church Office Hours 9 AM
to 5 PM
*Nursery is provided for
these times.
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