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.
Annette, Richmond, Texas John 10:30, NIV
I and the Father are one.”
Ashley, Charlotte “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Rom. 12:2 NASB
Heather Yankton,SD- Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. Psalm 27:7 NIV
Kim, Nashville, TN.
For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”
Isaiah 4:13 (ESV)
Andrea, Louisville
Hebrews 12:2 NLT “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”
Karen H., Stephenville, TX
John 4:34 (NASB)
My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to acommplish His work.
Jamie, Raleigh, NC
“The Lord is at hand. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by 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 Jesus.” Philippians 4:5b-7 NIV
donna, mt. pleasant nc
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people, from this time forth and forever.
Psalm 125:2 NASB
Courtney, Montgomery, Alabama. “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3, NIV.
Amy B., Edmond OK
“For it has been given to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him”
Philippians 1:29 (HCSB)
Lisha; Visalia, CA: Psalm 42:8 By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me – a prayer to the God of my life. (NIV)
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:2-3 NIV
Leighanne – Athens, GA
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” – Colossians 3:23, NLT
Ramona, Pasadena:
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 NLT
Kristen, Montgomery, AL
James 4:7 (NIV)
‘Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Pam, DeLeon Springs, Florida
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Susan, Crystal Springs, MS; Isaiah 41:10 NIV
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.
Laura, Jefferson, Maine
Psalm 119:57-58: “You are my portion, LORD; I have promised to boey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.” NIV
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1 (NIV)
Telisa, Ark City: “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, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” Ephesians 3:20-21NIV
2 Corinthians 4:18
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Margie
Hilton Head Island, SC
Jackie from Platte City, MO
God wasn’t attracted to you and didn’t choose you because you were big and important — the fact is, there was almost nothing to you. He did it out of sheer love, keeping the promise He made to your ancestors.
Deut 7:7-8a (The Message)
Kathy from Ontario Canada
“Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.” KJV Psalm 119:11
Create in me a pure heart O God, and renew a steadfast spirit with in me.
Psalm 51:10 NIV
Julia, Schaumburg, IL
“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
Miquela
Knoxville, TN
“I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.”
Psalm 9:2
NIV
Andree, Houston, TX “I will give them a heart to know Me, for I am the LORD; and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with their whole heart.”
Jer. 24:7 (NASB)
“To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.
Isa. 40:25 (NIV)
Lori, League City, TX
Martha, Ashdown, AR
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Phillipians 4:6-7 NKJV
Evelyn
Bowie, MD
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in Christ Jesus.” (KJV)
Romans 8:26 NIV “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” Pam in San Diego
Sarah, Blairsville, GA. “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” 1 Tim 6:17-18 NIV
Sharon, Moore, SC
John 3:30 (NIV)
He must become greater; I must become less.”
Libby, Goodwine IL
Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.
Proverbs 18:24 The Message
Gretta, Alabama: “Practically everything that goes on in the world-wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important-has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from Him.” I John 2:16 (The Message)
Psalm 46:10 NIV
“Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Melissa, Perry, GA
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
Jan, Topeka, Ks
Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
Psalm 37:4-7a
Donna B.
Tuscaloosa, AL
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 3:10 NIV
I have no idea how I messed up the chapter and verse for my memory verse, but I realized today that it is actually found in 1 John 4:18. (I even wrote the wrong reference in my handy dandy spiral journal–at least there was consistency) =)
Charli, Birmingham
‘Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.’. John 16:24
Anna – Ruckersville, VA
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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
(2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV)
You are so precious. I am always blessed by your words!
Savanna. Atlanta, GA.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through thr rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flames scorch you. Isaiah 43:2 New King James Version.
I’ve been able to stay a verse ahead so far…until today. This one has me for some reason. All the more reason to memorize it!
Sarah, Port St. Joe, FL
Isaiah 58:11 (NLT)
The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Phil 4:8
I am so excited that i am memorizing Scriptures.. this has never been a strong point for me1 But this is working !! Praise the Lord!
Sarah, S Hamilton, MA
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Colossians 4:6 ESV
“Earth wobbles and lurches; huge mountains shake like leaves, quake like aspen leaves because of his rage:… Ps. 18:7 The Message
Cindy From Early TX
Luke 24:44 NKJV Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.”
Luke 24:44 NKJV
Sarah Snow, Wichita Falls, TX
Ephesians 5:20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. NIV
Kristi Lowe, Lubbock TX: I love this one..it speaks volumes to me in this present season of my life! 🙂
“Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and courageous.
Do not be terrified,
Do not be discouraged,
for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (NIV) – Joshua 1:9