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.
Kathi, Lexington, OH
My soul will be satisfied with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:5-8 NIV
Psalm 97:1
The Lord reigns, let the Earth be glad, let the distint shores rejoice.
ShadeClan Forever And Always
P.S. This is TheAnimalFriend but I changed my user
Emma in Concord CA
Eden Prairie, MN
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess,
for He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23, NIV)
Sharon, LP, MI.
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 angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NIV
Nancy, Morehead
Hebrews 10:39 We are not among those who draw back and perish, but among those who have faith and will possess life. NAB
Faith, Eden Prairie, MN, 15 yrs. old
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess,
for He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23, NIV)
Linda, White Salmon, WA
It is He who sits above the vault of the earth,
And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers,
Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain
And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.
Isaiah 40:22 NASB
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. Phip 2:13 Katy, Midland, TX
Naomi Hope, Eden Prairie, MN, 11 yrs. old
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Pat
Kansas
NIV / Psalm 71:15
I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, for I am overwhelmed by how much you have done for me.
Psalm 119:7-8, NLT
As I learn your righteous regulations,
I will thank you by living as I should.
I will obey your decrees.
Please don’t give up on me!
Psalm 91:11-12 NIV
For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
Melissa Giomi, Concord, CA
Nikki ~ Lake Mills, WI
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.
~Psalm 9:10 (NLT)
Robin Pollitte
Morehead, Ky.
“You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has comne upon you.” Acts 1:8 NIV
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.
Col. 3:23-24 NIV
Monica, Columbus Ohio. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8-9
Nicole, Blue Springs, MO
1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)
“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
Danay’e, Spencer –
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.
Psalm 143:10 (NLT)
Julie
Lexington, KY
“His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.”
Psalm 147:10,11
James 1:19-20 NIV:
My dear brothers take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Timmarie, Phoenix suburb
“Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your covenant is trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant.” 2 Samuel 7:28
Connie Boyd, Turlock CA
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Thank you for your words. I’m going with this verse because I DID burst in to tears…and I had to ‘say no’ to my computer for 4 days. Bless you for typing your mind, and for it being something I needed to read!
Psalm 143:8,9
Let me hear Thy loving kindness in the morning for I trust in Thee. Teach me Thy ways in which I should walk
for to Thee I lift up my sould.
Deliver me from my enenmies – I take refuge in thee. NKJV
Ashlie, Dallas, GA
“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
Cheryl Martin-Cypress, TX
With all prayer and petition, pray at all times in the spirit and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints. Ephesians 5:18
Cindi, Dallas, TX
Phil. 2:13 “for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. (NIV)
Michele,Edmond,Ok
Through the LORD’S mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning, Great is Your faithfulnes. Lamentations 3:22-23
Catherine, Grants Pass, OR
“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. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;” Isaiah 43:2-3a NIV
Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance. Hebrews 12:6 New Living Translation
Mandy, China Spring, TX
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:13-14 (NIV)
Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.
Psalm 144:1 (NIV)
Karen. Ky wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalms 27:14 niv
Jessica, Houston, TX: “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. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:17-18 NIV
“alrightokuhuhamen”
Col 3:12 Therefore as Gods chosen people holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Deana, palm city, fl
Kim from Lititz, PA
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. Corinthians 13:7-8 ESV
Lisa C, San Diego, CA
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Jenny, Brandon, MS
We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. Psalm 33:20 NIV
Gaye, Arvada, CO
Psalm 121:5-8 HCSB
The Lord protects you; the Lord is a shelter right by your side.
The sun will not strike you by day or the moon by night.
The Lord will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life.
The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever.
Cody – Houston, TX
“If a brother or a sister is without clothes and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is it?”
James 2:15-16, HCS
Janet from Orange, Texas
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I
will counsel you and watch over you.” ~ Psalm 32:8
Isa, East Lansing, MI
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22 NIV
Ashley, Huntsville, AL
“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Galations 5: 22-23
Mary from tilton nh
Romans 12:1 (esv)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
Mary, Broken Arrow, OK
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
The NET Bible
Isaiah 43:2 NIV
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.
Jackie
PEarland, TX
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NIV
Brittany from Keller, TX
Hebrews 4:15 ESV
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
“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.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 [NIV]
Jillian, Dallas
“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)
Julie, Washington, LA
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Tara, North Platte, NE. “Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Always keep yourselves united in the Holy Spirit, and bind yourselves together with peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3 NLT