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.
Michelle,Magnolia,TX
My life is a journey I must travel with a deep consciousness of God.
It cost God plenty to get me out of that dead-end,empty- headed life I grew up in.
He paid with Christ’s sacred blood,you know.
He died like an unblemished,sacrificial lamb.
And this was no afterthought.
1 Peter 1:18-19 The Message
Tonja, Charlotte, NC
“When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
Isaiah 43:2, NIV
Pamela, Missouri
The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack anything good. She rewards him with good, not evil, all the days of her life. ~ Prov. 31:11-12
Karen, Hewitt
“The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27 (NIV)
Karen – Michigan
Isaiah 41:10 NLT
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
MaryKaren, Charlotte, “For Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10
Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk and live in your Truth; direct and unite my heart to fear and honor Your name. Psalms 86:11. Amplified Bible
Debra Hanson, Gentry Arkansas,
Proverbs 3:5,6 The Message
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen to God’s voice in everything you do he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Debra, Many: “For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.” Ephesians 6:12 (Holman)
Isaiah 43:19 NIV
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
Seffner, Fl.
Ps 77:19 NLT
Your road led through the sea,
Your pathway through the mighty waters —
a pathway no one knew was there!
Proverbs 16:19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. KJV
Geri, Deer Park, TX
Hebrews 1:3 NASB
And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Stacey, Shelbyville, Ky
Phil 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.” The Message
Pam
Milledgeville, Georgia
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity,but a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
Gay, Plain City, OH
Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)
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.
Carol, Grove City, PA
“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.”
James 3:17 (NIV)
Mandy, Grove City, PA
“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.”
James 3:17 (NIV)
Erin in Chicago, Il:
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praise-worthy, think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8
Leah, Asheville, NC
Isaiah 42:8 NASB
I am the LORD; that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, nor My praise to graven images.
Hollie Frackman
Mount Vernon
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”
Ephesians 3:20
NIV
Lezlie – Prince George, VA – And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. – Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
Becky Fayetteville AR
Colossians 3:23-24
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Alicia – Hopkinsville, KY
“I have told you these things, so that in me you have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you desires of your heart Psalm 37:4 NIV
Pam, Liberty: “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 KJV
John 15:4 Abide in me and I will abide in you. Just like the branch can’t bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.
Kay Chester, Va
Rebecca
Dallas, TX
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalm 139:14 NIV
Psalm 18: 30 “As for God, His way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.” Angie, Aberdeen, SD
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Matthew 9:12-13
Stockbridge, GA
God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.
Psalm 46:1-2 (NIV)
Mindy, Broadview Heights, All glorious is the princess within her chamber: her gown is interwoven with gold. In embroidered garments she is led to the king, her virgin companions follow her-those brought to be with her. Led in with joy and gladness, they enter the palace of the king. Psalm 45:13-15
Belinda, Nacogdoches, TX
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworhty–think about such things.
Leslie- Tyler, TX
Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)
“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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
Tammy ~ Tampa, FL
23 The LORD makes firm the steps
of the one who delights in him;
24 though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the LORD upholds him with his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV)
Jan, Lake St.Louis, Mo.
“The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime,
And His song will be with me in the night,
A prayer to the God of my life.” ( Psalm 42:8) NKJ
Natasha, Omaha
He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors; you have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king. Daniel 2:22-23 NIV
Marilyn, Florence, AL
And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart so they will obey my decrees and regulations. Then they will truly be my people and I will be their God.
Ezekiel 11: 19-20 NLT
Jasmyn ~ Tampa, FL
23 The LORD makes firm the steps
of the one who delights in him;
24 though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the LORD upholds him with his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV)
Mary Ellen, Billings, MT “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.” Zeph. 3:17 NIV
Karen, Cumming, GA “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” 1 Corinthians 9:27 NKJ
Shawnee, Romans 12:1 (NASB) I urge you therefore, brethrn, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifce, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship
Stephanie, Austin, “There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary–we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy spirit!” Romans 5:3-5 the Message
Tina, H-town
Isaiah 40:31-31 (NIV) Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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.
Nell, College Station, TX
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” James 3:16 NIV
Give thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:20
After being a Christian for most of my life, I am now trying to memorize scripture so that I can learn to pray the scriptures during my prayer time. I have learned the following scriptures during the past few weeks. James 1:1-4; Ps. 103:1-5; Daniel 4:34-35. Am continuing to review and commit to memory Daniel 2:20-23. Each week I am reviewing all my scriptures. Hope to start learning Ephesians 6:10-20 next week.
Blessings and Prayers. Gaye
PS My memory accountability partner is Jennine Bortness who was a volunteer for Beth at Houston several years ago. We are having a good time repeating our scriptures to each other over the phone.
Susie, Bremerton, WA, “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering and without hypocrisy.” James 3:17, NASB
Sammie, Flagstaff “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgements and unfathmomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to Him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” NASB
Barbara
Midland,Tx
Philippians 4:4-6 (ESV)
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 by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be make known to God.