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.
Norman, OK
Speak and act as those who will be judged by a law that gives freedom. For judgement is merciless for the one who has shown no mercy. But mercy triumphs over judgement.
James 2:12-13 NET
Valerie, Woodstock, Connecticut:
And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.–Philippians 4:19,
The NET Bible
Kat Clarkesville, Georgia
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us.”
Romans 8:31 (KJV)
Jennifer, Mongomery, PA : Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit are you now being perfected by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain-if indeed it was in vain? So then does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? Even so Abraham believed and it was reckonned to him as righteousness. Galations 3:3-6 (NASB).
Angela, Winder, GA
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”–Hebrews 11:1, American King James Version
Summer
Fuquay Varina, NC
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5
Renita, Woodstock GA
“When I am afraid, I will trust in you.” Psalm 56:3 NIV
Liane, Virginia: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10, NKJV
Wow Beth. I needed to hear what your thoughts were! I am very much the same boat of way too much on my plate! Way too much. I absolutely LOVE the message verse you gave so that is the one for me. Praying for you and yours.
Shelly-Seminole, FL- “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 The Message
Micah 6:8 He showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Sorry I’m late!!!
Jen, Ireland
“Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart.” Psalm 32:11 NIV
HollyAnn, Midland, TX
Now as for you, Son of Man, say to the house of Israel, “Thus you have spoken, saying, “surely our transgressions and our sins are upon us, and we are rotting away in them; how then can we survive?” “Say to them, ‘As I live,’ declares the Lord, God, ‘I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back from your evil ways! Why then will you die, o House of Israel?
Ezekiel 33:10-11
Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.
Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.
But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4 AMP
Casey, Columbus,MS
Let the words of my mouth and the medititation of my heart be acceptable to you, oh Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Ps 19:14 NAS
Renee: Austin, Texas
So do not fear, 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 hand.
Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Becky, Scottsdale, AZ.
“Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep His promise.” Hebrews 10:23 NLT
Romans 8:38-39 “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (ESV)
Jen L, Roanoke VA
Deana,Amanda
For GREAT is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave
Psalm 86:13 NIV
Mary
Tuscaloosa, Al
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Anne, London, Ontario
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:11-12 NIV
April, Smyrna, Georgia
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
I Peter 2:9, NKJV
Gloria, Aiken SC
The Lord your God is with you,
He is might to save.
He will take great delight in you,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.
~Zephaniah 3:17
Emily, Potomac, MD
Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;
let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
-I Peter 3:10-11 (NASB)
Kristy, Wake Forest, NC: “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)
Becky and Jacqui, Naperville, “Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. I cried out to the Lord in my suffering, and he heard me. He set me free from all my fears. For the angel of the Lord guards all who fear Him, and he rescues them. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who trust in him!” Psalm 34:5-8 NLT
Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay you are the potter, we are all the work of your hand.
Isaiah 64:8 NIV
Leola, PA
Mark 12: 29b-31 NIV
Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.
Becky, Douglas,Wy
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
Rosa, Houston, Tx
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
Shannon, Houston, TX
“Forget the former things, do not dwell in the past. 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.” Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Becky, Douglas, Wy
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
Jane from IL
Keep your lives free from the love of money and
be content with what you have, because God has said,
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5
Lisa, Plano, Tx: And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19 NIV
“Remember this:
Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously
will also reap generously.” 2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV
Kay, Clemmons, NC
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 Holman Christian Standard
Lisa F., Bartlett Tn
Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is i possible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”
NIV
Carrie Ann ~ McDonough
Psalm 40:5
Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things You planned for us no one can recount to You, were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.
Donna; Birmingham, AL
Revelation 17:14 “They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”
Hayley Cagle
Florence, SC
“Don’t worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” Phil 4:6 NIV
Elizabeth in Greensboro,NC
Luke 22:32 (MSG)
I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.
Becky in Dayton Ohio
Isaiah 61:3 NIV
And provide for those who grieve in Zion-to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise, instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord, for the display of His splendor!
New York – Psalm 119:9-11 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You! (NKJ)
Shelley C., Casey, IL
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)
Trisa, Aberdeen
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:19 NIV
NIV Psalm 118:24 This is the day that the Lord as made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Marsha, Lexington Park, MD
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.
Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.
Phil 2:3 NIV
Steinbach Manitoba
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Anica- Huntsville, Al
Ephesians 4:1-2 ESV
“I… urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience bearing with one another in love…”
Debbie, Fairfax,VA:
“Forget the former things, do not dwell in the past. 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.” ~ Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Elaine, St. Charles, MO – Phil 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. NIV