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.
Heather, Birmingham
Job 16:19-21 NIV
Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high. My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as a man pleads for his friend.
Robin Fenton, Thorndale, PA
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”
1 John 3:16 (NIV)
Beth! This is working for me ! My new verse is (NLB)
1 Thess. 5:18
Cheryl, Cleveland, GA
Romans 12: 1-2 NIV
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spirtual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Sharon – Vicksburg, MS
“When I am afraid, I will trust in you.” Psalm 56:3 NIV
Rhonda ~ Kalamazoo, Michigan
The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm. Exodus 14:14 (NLT)
I LOVE that verse! Thanks for posting!
Angela, Maui. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
Beth S. Mankato, MN
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3 NIV
Su divino poder, al darnos el conocimiento de aquel que nos llamó por su propia gloria y potencia, nos ha concedido todas las cosas que necesitamos para vivir como Dios manda. 2 Pedro 1:3 NVI
Erin: Euless,TX
“For the Lord God is our light and protector. He gives us grace and glory. No good thing will he withhold from those who do what is right. O Lord Almighty, happy are those who trust in you” Psalm 84:11-12 NLT
Missy, Houston ” But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow has enough worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34
Edie, Franklin, Tennessee – The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has annointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor, He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, and declare the acceptable year of the Lord. – Luke 4:18-19 Spirit Filled NKJ
Laura Beaumont, TX “I love you O Lord, my strength” ~Psalm 18:1 NIV
Ruth ~ Natchitoches, La
I will lift up my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from? My Help comes form the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)
NKJV: Zephaniah 3:17: 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.
Emily, Seattle
“But his servant said, “What? Shall I set this before one hundred men?” He said again, :Give it to the people, that they may eat; for thus says the LORD: ‘They shall eat and have some left over.'” So he set it before them; and they ate and has some left over, according to the word of the LORD.” – 2 Kings 4:43-44 NKJ
Rhonda, Trenton, Tx
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and will help you; I will uphold you by My Righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10. NIV
Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.
Isaiah 64:4 NIV
Lam 3:25 (NIV) The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him. Sandi, Anderson
“If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” Roman 8:31 (NLT)
Exodus 14:14
The Lord will fight for you; you only need to be still.
Brandi
Danville Indiana
NIV
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.
Phil. 4:19
Susan K.
Cartersville, GA
I Thes. 5:23-24 – NIV
23 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. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18 NIV
Randa-Newcastle, OK: For nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37. NIV
Jackie, Pittsburgh, PA
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8 NIV
Tatia, Elkridge, MD
“The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is righteous in all His ways and faithful in all He does.” Psalm 145:8, 17 (NIV)
2 Corinthians 12:9a NASB “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness”
Mary, Pierre SD
Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint.
ISAIAH 40:31 NKJV
Amanda M. Columbus, OH – Proverbs 23:4-5 JPS Hebrew Tanakh
“Do not toil to gain wealth; have the sense to desist. You see it, then its gone; it grows wings and flies away, like an eagle heavenward.”
Do not tremble and do not be afraid; have I not long since announced it to you and declared it? And you are my witnesses. Is there any God besides Me or is there any other Rock? I know of none.
Isaiah 44:8
Monique, Elizabethtown, KY “And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Trisha, Monument, CO: Psalm 150:1-2NIV “Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens. Praise Him for His acts of power; praise Him for His surpassing greatness.”
James 1:26-27 NIV
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Kristin Tulare, CA
Therefore I urge you brothers in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.
Romans12:1 NIV
Sheri
Portland, Oregon
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God,
who gives generously to all without finding fault,
and it will be given to him. James 1:5 NIV
Megan- Covington,WA
My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God’s Spirit. Then you won’t feed the compulsions of selfishness.
Galatians 5:15, the message
Taylor, Dallas, TX. “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
Proverbs 31:10-12 (NIV)
Amy, Norfolk Va
” He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them in the fold of his garment”
Isaiah 40:11
Rita Quinlan – Alva, Florida
Psalm 119:165 – Great peace have they who love Your law; nothing shall offend them or make them stumble.
Psalm 119:165 Amplified Bible
Wanda
Osborn, Missouri
Galatians 2:20 ESV
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
I Corinthians 16:13 (NIV) Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
(My son is in the US Army doing Ranger school – this is a scripture that I am praying for him)
Kim, Anchorage, Alaska; Mark 11:9-10 NASB
Jesus said, “And I say to you, ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it shall be opened.
Ina – Lancaster, PA
I will be your God throughout your lifetime – until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.
Isaiah 46:4 NLT
Martha – Florida
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayers.” Romans 12:12(NIV)
Kathy Elyria OH….Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God,for I will yet praise him,my Savior and my God.. Ps 42:5NIV
Missy, South Dakota
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Melissa Niota TN
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” Psalms 121:1-2 KJV
Zephaniah 3:17 The Message
“Your God is present among you,a strong Warrior there to save you.Happy to have you back,He’ll calm you with His love & delight you with His songs.”
April
Conroe, TX
So do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 40:10
NIV
Weatherford, TX
“I am the bread of life.” John 6:48 NASB