Hey, you Scripture-memory buffs! I pray that your verses are bearing fruit and that they’re right there on the tip of your tongue when you’re tempted to say something the polar opposite of God’s will. That’s one of many things I like about memory work. It’s seems out of place to use the same mouth that has been spouting Scripture to spout off a bunch of trash. That doesn’t mean we never do it but it does mean we’re likely to feel miserable over it and think twice the next time.
Two times in a row our SSMT has fallen on a Bible study day so I am forced to be much briefer than I’d like. My heart toward you is bigger than my words, particularly today. Tonight’s lesson is especially pressing because I’m further behind in preparation than I’d normally be if I hadn’t had a taping over the weekend and spent the end of last work-week getting ready for it. Yada yada yada. I am woman, hear me whine.
I bet some of you feel the same way I’ve felt over the last week: too much on your plate. Looking at all of it in one big heap on your desk or your calendar can be demoralizing. Thursday I had one of those days when you can hardly make it to your car after work without bursting into tears. On the way home I felt like God was telling me to humble myself and get the word out that I needed prayer and by the next day I felt a world better. (Some nights you just go to bed early out of love for the people who live with you.) A couple of other things have really helped me today. They seem elementary but, if so, why don’t we ever seem to learn them once and for all? Here’s what they are: Remembering to…
1) TAKE ONE THING AT A TIME! God’s grace really is sufficient and He really does meet all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. As much as we want to see all that manna heaped up in a mountain of provision a week in advance alongside those upcoming demands, His promise in Philippians 4:19 is to meet each one AT THE TIME WE NEED IT. Thank You, Lord. If we could learn to live in this present moment with this present provision, oh, man, life would be so much less stressful, wouldn’t it?
2) SAY NO. I have managed to get that most distasteful word for the people-pleasure out of my mouth two times today to people I really, really, really didn’t want to say no to. People I love a ton. People I want very much to please. But the fact is, I don’t have a single other yes in my pocket right now. Not one. For this moment, I am completely bereft of extra yeses. Anybody else? So it’s got to be no. Help us, Lord. We need so much help to say yes to no.
Anyway, that’s not what we’re doing on here today. We’re on here to spout off our Siesta Scripture Memory Team Verse 4!
I am continuing out of the Book of James. This round I’m going with James 3:17 –
Beth, Houston. “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical.” James 3:17 The NET Bible (Is that a mouthful or what??)
For any of you who could use some ideas, the alternative verse I’m selecting for today outside of James may as well be the one I mentioned a couple of paragraphs earlier. If you’ve never memorized this one, stick it toward the top of your list. It’s a staple in the mental pantry of the believer.
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
And from The Message:
You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, His generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.
And that is a promise, Sweet Thing. Eyes up. Chins up. Joy up.
And maybe…just maybe…say yes to no.
Just for fun, here are a couple of pictures from Valentine’s dinner last night. We didn’t have the Fitzpatricks with us because they had their own plans for their third anniversary. Can you believe it’s been that long? We missed them but had a ton of fun anyway. Here are two darling couples I got to stare at across the table. I love them each so much.
We are ecstatic to have Travis and Angela in town and the rest of the worship team lands today. They’ll lead us tonight at Bible study. Wooooohooooooo!
Are they darling or what? For any of you newcomers, that’s Amanda, my firstborn, and Curtis, her wonderful man.
This picture didn’t come out well because the lighting was so bright so I did it in black and white and it looked even goofier but, anyway, at least you know I really did go with them to dinner.
And, in case I haven’t yet bored you to utter oblivion, here is one more that Trav took with his phone:
OK, that’s it! If you’re missing my Valentine, he had to be out of town for a work thing but I will see him soon and got beautiful roses and funny text messages all day.
Let’s hear each of your fourth verses, Siestas! Name, city, verse and translations please!
I love you guys.
Gwen, Kennesaw, GA:
“And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.” Colossians 3:14 The Message
Shelly, Portland , OR
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God goes with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Laura, Clay Center, KS
Ephesians 5:18-20
Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Lisa, Morning View, Ky
James 1:12–NIV
Blessed is the man who perserveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Debra, Meadville, MS
Isaiah 50:2 (KJV) Is My hand shortened that it cannot redeem? or, have I no Power to deliver?
Julie, Wentzville, MO
“The heart of the godly thinks CAREFULLY BEFORE speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.” ~ Proverbs 15:28 NLT
Jennifer, Charlotte NC
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thess. 5:23 NIV
Kimberly Denton, TX ESV “No in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39-For a college student about to graduate, the Lord spoke powerfully through your blog today! My list for this morning just got a little less overwhelming 🙂
Mildred, Mer Rouge,LA
He (The Lord) gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Isaiah 41:29 NIV
Brandy, Burleson, TX
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ~Phil 4:8 NIV
Deb, Becker “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13 (ESV)
Jeanne, Albuquerque, NM – Psalm 100:4 “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” NIV
Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;
to be made new in the attitude of your minds;
and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true
righteousness and holiness.
Blaine, Magnolia, Hebrews 13:15 (NIV):
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that openly profess His name.”
Lanna, Missouri, We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:5, NASB
Erin, Fort Worth, Texas
For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and He knows everything. 1 John 3:20, ESV
Becky
Owasso OK
Romans 8:15-17 (I’m going with The Message this time)
“This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?”
God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who He is and we know who we are: Father and children.
And we know we’re going to get what’s coming to us -an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. IF WE GO THROUGH THE HARD TIMES WITH HIM, THEN WE’RE CERTAINLY GOING TO GO THROUGH THE GOOD TIMES WITH HIM!”
*woo hoo!*
Your enthusiasm for scripture is contagious! Four of us are memorizing these verses, or part of them these two weeks. The other names are Stacey in Midlothian,VA and Farrah-Jackson, MS if you want to be praying for all of us.
Jennifer Madison, OH
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6-7 Need this verse since my husband is out of town for 9 days for school!
Sandy
Keller, TX
Philippians 4:19
“You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, His generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.” (MSG)
Manon, Pebble Beach, California, “I sought the LORD and he answered me, he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4
Susan, Barrie, ON, Canada
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
MiChal, College Station TX
To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power
2 Thessalonians 1:11 (ESV)
Jeanette,, Tualatin Phil 4:4-7 NIV
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again. Rejoice. Let our gentleness be evident to all.
The Lord is near. Do Not Be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Karlys, La Place, LA
Love is patient, Love is kind, and is not jealous; Love does not brag, and is not arrogant.
1 Corinthians 13:4 NASB
Amber, Drexel Mo
“For I know the plans I have for you declares The Lord. Plans to prosper you, not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Sharoni, Houton. “Watch what GOD does and then you do it….Mostly what GOD does is love you. Keep company with Him and learn a life of love.”
Ephesians 5:1,2
The Message
Stevie, Fort Worth. Took Beth’s – And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Phillippians 4:19 (The NET Bible)
Laura, Tracy, CA – “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 NLT
Jennifer, Jonesboro, AR
1 Corinthians 6:12, 20 NASB
All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but I will not be mastered by anything.
For you have been bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.
Yet he did not waiver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
Romans 4:20-21
Laura, Saskatchewan, CAN
“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (NIV)
Judy from Louisiana,”Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
Leslie, Currie,NC I Corinthians 13:4-8a NIV
Love is patient,love is kind,it does not envy, it does not boast,it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angured, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trust, always hopes, always perseveres. Love NEVER fails.
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.” Prov. 3:3 NIV
Stacey, Albuquerque He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God. Psalm 50: 23 NIV
Joyce Ellis
Ooltewah, TN
“He revealeth the deep and secret things: He knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.”
Daniel 2:22 (KJV)
Nicole, Norman, OK “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galations 5:22-23 (NIV)
Nicole Bloomington,IL:
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” Ephesians 1:17 NIV
Laura Beth
Houston, TX
“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but live in the fear of the LORD always. Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.”
Proverbs 23:17-18 NASB
Maggie Daley, Greenville, SC
“Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.”
Tracy, Tyler, TX–Therefore, now that we have been justified through faith, let us continue at peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have been allowed to enter the sphere of God’s grace, where we now stand. Let us exult in the hope of the divine splendour that is to be ours. Romans 5:1-2 (NEB)
Judy, Tehachapi, Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so. New King James Version
Ali C., Dublin, CA
“Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.” Psalm 33:22 (NLT)
Julie, Sheffield, UK – Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Hebrews 10:28, NIV
Tammy
Lusby, Maryland
NIV
Psalm 27:13
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Molly, Wilmington, DE
“For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. ” Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
mariel
wake forest, nc
“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for Me?” Jeremiah 32:27 NKJV
Ashley, Mobile,AL
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.
Proverbs 16:9 NIV
Cherise, Cheyenne, Wyoming: Jesus said to him, ” ‘ You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first commandment. And the second is like it. ‘ You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” NKJV
Cindy Flemingsburg, KY
Though the fig tree does not bud & there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails & the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen & no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Habakkuk 3:17-18