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.
Lynne, New Mexico:
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:7 (King James)
Elizabeth, Charlottesville
Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you the great and hidden things that you have not known.
Jeremiah 33:3, ESV
Psalm 127:3-5 (The Message)
3-5 Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift?
the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?
Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows
are the children of a vigorous youth.
Oh, how blessed are you parents,
with your quivers full of children!
Your enemies don’t stand a chance against you;
you’ll sweep them right off your doorstep.
Katie, Marion, IA
Roxanne, Greenwood, LA, Proverbs 31:10-16, KJV:
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She worketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it, with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.”
Karen, St. Louis, MO
“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you, wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9 (NIV)
I know, I know, Siestas, that this is two verses and SO long; oh, but, I relate so much right now!
Tiffany, Clay Center, KS
Psalm 39:6 We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. (NLT)
Love it. That’s going to be my next one. Thanks
Diane, Killeen: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice!” Philippians 4:4, NIV
Susanne, El Paso, TX
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2-3 NIV
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV
Gretchen, Thousand Oaks: “Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the highest heavens. You have done such wonderful things. Who can compare with You, O God? You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but You will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth.” Psalm 71:19-20 NLT
2 Timothy 2:24-26 ESV And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
Lala from Ruston, LA, says “And these things write we unto you that your joy may be full.”
1 John 1:4
Brooke, Carterville IL
“God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” Eph 3:20 MSG
May you walk abundantly blessed today, Beth Amazing & timley word thank you!
Sacramento
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
Psalm 62:2 NIV
Char, Inver Grove Heights, MN
“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14 (TNIV)
Rosie, TX “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves” Phil 2:3 NIV
Caitlyn, Jacksonville
“So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.”
Hebrews 10:35-36 NLT
Hebrews 10:19-21
19 Therefore brothers [and sisters], since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, His body, 21 and since we have a great high priest over the house of God…
Oops! NIV
Sara – Adana, Turkey – Isaiah 61:4 NIV
They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.
Praise the LORD! What a verse of promise!
Laura, Greenville:
Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:10-11 (NIV)
Janell, Denver, CO
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25 NIV
Sister Lynn
Tucson AZ
Phil 4:19 is just what I need right now
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19 niv
Bonnie, Selah Wa, “He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God who has called you into fellowship with his son Jesus Christ our Lord is faithful.” 1 Cor. 1:8-9 (NIV)
Danielle, Greenville SC
Psalm 27:4 – “One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD and the meditate in His temple.”
Leila, Carrollton, GA 2 Timothy 1:7 NAS
For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power and love and discipline.
Lindsey, Fuquay-Varina, NC
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
Sandy, Central, In
O Lord, our Lord, How majestic is Thy name in all the earth. Who hast displayed Thy splender above the heavens. Psalm 8:1 NAS
Erin
Austin, TX
Romans 8:1-4 NIV
1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ
Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives
life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Kelly. Springfield, MO. The LORD your God in your midst,the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV
Susan C-Town, Oklahoma
The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:
Sharon, San Antonio, Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory! Isaiah 6:3 NIV
Becky, Biloxi. “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14. NIV 84.
Mountain Home, AR “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23
Valarie, Spotsylvania, VA
The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.
Deuteronomy 30:6
Joyce, Lebanon, Tennessee
The Lord has made everything for His own purposes.
Proverbs 16:4 NLT
Leslie, Rochester, MN. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:23-24 NIV)
Susan–C-Town, Oklahoma
The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26 NIV
Ericka, Langhorne, PA: “This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.” – Psalm 91:2 (New Living Translation)
Lisa, Mauldin, SC He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1 (NIV)
Erin, New York
“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.” Philippians 4:6-7
Lu, Raleigh, He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him. Daniel 2:22, NIV
Janet, Enid, OK
Ephesians 4:29 NIV
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.
Jessie,Seabrook
This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, ” I have done no wrong.” Proverbs 30:20 NASB
Betsy, Rome, GA:
The LORD is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD.
Lamentations 3:25-26, NLT
LaShay from Saltillo, MS – “Everthing is permissible for me – but not everything is beneficial. Everthing is permissible for me – but I will not be mastered by anything. Food for the stomach and the stomach for food – but God will destroy them both.” I Cor. 6: 12, 13a (NIV)
Lou Ann – Moultrie, GA –
John 15:18-19 ESV – If the world hates you, know that it hated me before you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as it own, but because you are not of the world but I chose you out of the world; therefore, the world hates you.
Melody – Colorado Springs, CO
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. ”
> Romans 5:3-5 (NKJV)
Andrea, Cartersville,Ga. “Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long.” Ps.25:5 NIV
Deidra, Waynesboro
“Is not my word like fire,declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?. . .”
Jeremiah 23:29 NIV
Teah, Birmingham
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
I Corinthians 9:25 ESV