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.
Ruth, Providence, RI
Isaiah 30:19-22 (RSV)
“Yea, O people in Zion who dwell at Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as he hears it, he answers you. And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. 21(D) And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. Then you will defile your silver-covered graven images and your gold-plated molten images. You will scatter them as unclean things. You will say to them, “Begone!”
Danielle, Cumming, GA
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.
Rescue me from my enemies, LORD, for I hide myself in you.
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God;
may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
Psalm 143:8-10 NIV
Linda, Sonora, KY
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
~Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)
Julie/Deer Park/James 3:17/NIV But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate,submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Rachel, Austin, TX
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according
to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
Beth
I was up at 3am tossing and turning and went
to read your scripture verse. The Lord knew I
needed to hear this verse this week. Thanks
from Brandon, MS
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jeses.” Philippians 4:4-7
D’Anna from Phil. PA.
2 Corinthians 12: 6-10 (New International Version, ©2010)
Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, 7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Macey, Whidbey Island, WA “If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” Roman 8:31 (NLT)
M.J. in Lovington, NM
Now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
Acts 19:32 NIV
Jasdeep
Toronto, ON
Psalm 18:1-3 (NKJV)
I will love you,
O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock and my fortress
And my deliverer;
My God, my strength,
In whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my
Salvation, my stronghold.
I will call upon the Lord,
who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies.
Jacqueline, CT “And so we know and rely on the love God as for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God,and God in him.” 1John 4:16 NIV
Rock Hill.SC
Jude 24, NASB
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to make you stand in His presence of His glory blameless with great joy.
Becky from KY
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save.He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.
Natalie, Indialantic FL:
And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:19
Debbie, Hattiesburg, MS:
“Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous
right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 [ESV]
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Doris
Trussville, Alabama
JoAnn, Macomb, MI
1Thess. 5:16-18 “Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” NIV
Robin, Indialantic, Fl 1 Peter 5:2 (NIV)
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve;
Took me a little longer to find my verse this time.
Tori, Winston-Salem, NC
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with evreyone.” -Romans 12:18, NIV
Kendra, Sturgis MI, “And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NIV
Crystie, Lancaster SC
I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
Jeremiah 29:11 Msg
Greenville, NC
II Peter 1:3 NIV
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.
Geri, Kearney
Deuteronomy 6:5 (NIV)
Love the Lord Your God with all your heart with all your soul and all your strength.
Martha, Catawba, NC
Philippians !:9-10
Martha, Catawba, NC
Philippians 1:9-10 NAS
And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ.
The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand. Proverbs 12:7, KJV
Lynn, Louisville,
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (KJV)
Psalm 4:7-8 Amplified
You have put more joy and rejoicing in my heart than (they know) when their wheat and new wine have yielded abundantly. In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You, Lord, alone make me dwell in safety and confident trust.
Paige, Flatwoods, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8 NLT
Gretchen, Kearney, MO
They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them. Psalm 112:7 NLT
Dawn: Buies, Creek, NC
The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
and with my song I praise him.
Psalm 28:7 (NIV)
Peggy from Rogersville TN Daniel 2:20-23 (The Message)
Blessed be the name of God, forever and ever. He does all, knows all. He changes the seasons and guides history. He raises up kings and also brings them down, he provides both intelligence and discernment. He opens up the depths, tells secrets, sees in the dark–light spills out of him. God of all, my ancestors, all thanks! All praise! You made me wise and strong. And now you have shown us what we asked for. You’ve solved the king’s mystery.
Andrea, Ontario, Canada
“If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight reign on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless” (James 1:28 NIV)
Shannon, Nashville: Think about things that are true and honorable and right and pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you. Phil 4:8 (NLT)
Deanna – Frisco, TX – Psalms 119:133 Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. NIV
San Antonio, Tx
And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NIV
Breanna age 14
Russellville
“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.”
Psalm 40:3
NIV
Jewel – Denver, PA
Psalm 42:11 (NKJV)
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.”
Jacareí, São Paulo, Brazil
If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation: if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. (11 Corinthians 1:6 NIV)
Elizabeth, Dallas TX 🙂
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.-Prov 31:25 (NLT)
Andrea, Houston, TX
Psalm 5:11-12, NKJV
But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.
Elizabeth, Chesterfield, VA:
“Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” Ephesians 4:2 (NLT)
Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. James 3 vs 11 and 12.
Cheryl, Black Mountain, NC
“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” Jeremiah 32:17 NIV
Pikeville, TN – “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
But God demonstrated His love to us in this, that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Heather, Oklahoma
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 ESV
Erin
Fessenden, ND
Romans 3:23 (NIV)
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Shelby from Keller, TX
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34 (NIV)