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.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Courtney, LaPlata, MD
2 Corinthians 1:20-22 ESV
For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him. That is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to God for His glory. And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us His Spirit in our hearts as our guarantee.
Christi – Colleyville, TX
Jer. 17:7 Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.
The much longer verse 8 will roll in Mar. 1!!
Egads!! I’m late!
Tina – Cleveland, TN
Romans 12:1 NIV
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy,
to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship.
Martha, Lexington: “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for you .., I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now being confident of this: that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about .. you because I have you in my heart; .. And this is my prayer (for you): that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1: 3 – 11 edited (NIV)
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is you faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
Amber, Clarksville, TN
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Phillipians 4:6 NLT
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Ola, Woodbridge Va
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:5-7 (NIV).
Beth, Bakersfield, CA
1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Melissa, Orlando,FL – Turn my heart toward your statutes and not towards selfish gain.
Psalm 119:36 NIV
Carol
Tacoma, Washington
“Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.“
Nehemiah 9:5b-6 {NIV}
Holly, New Port Richey “And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Romans 15:4 (NIV)
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
Sorry I’m late. We have been sick
Shannon – Denton, Tx
“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.” Revelation 17:14
For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believed in Him would never die, but have eternal life. John 3:16
Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. I Thes. 5:15 NIV
Michelle
Brooklyn, CT
Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV
Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
Kara in Exton
Ephesians 6:14-18(AMP)
14 Stand therefore having tightened the belt of truth
around your loins and having put on the breastplate
of integrity and right standing with God.
15 And having shod your feet in preparation of the Gospel of peace.
16 Lift up over all the shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked one.
17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the spirit wields which is the word of God.
18 Pray at all times in the Spirit with all manner of prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert.
Jen in Exton,
Philippians 1:28 (AMP)
And do not for a moment be frightened or intimidated
in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such (constancy) will be a clear sign (proof) to them of their
(impending) destruction, but (evidence) of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God.
Yoncalla, OR
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)
I will be filled with joy because of You. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High (God).
Ps 9:2 NLT
Kristi, Puyallup: Revelation 17:14 NIV
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.
Alex, OK
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.” Phillippians 4:8
Kitty @ Melbourne Beach, Florida. THE MESSAGE Psalm 11:6
God hasn’t moved to the mountains, His holy address has not changed.
He’s in charge, as always, His eyes taking everything in…not missing a thing.
Amanda – Springfield, MO
Numbers 6: 24-26 NKJV
“May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift his countence upon you and give you peace.”
Teri – Spearfish, SD
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
James 3:17 – NKJV
“Find rest O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.”
Psalm 62: 5-6 NIV
“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” – Psalm 126:5 NIV
Cindy, Sheridan Wyoming
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
James 5:16 NIV
“I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You.”
Psalm 119:11
I know this isn’t a memory verse post but I had to thank you for the encouraging word you gave. I DO need to remember to take one thing at a time. I’m so wrapped up in dealing with my boy’s illness, looking ahead to a future I surely can’t see, that I’m wearing my body and my heart out. I want to be thankful for the good days, patient and prayerful with the bad days and most of all, focus on THE DAY I’M IN. Because His Grace is sufficient…
Bethany Waco, TX
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.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
Pam
Rochester, MN
NIV
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
Cindy Sylvia
Searcy, Arkansas
“Let all that you do be done in love.”
1 Corinthians 16:14 New American Standard
Linda, Knoxville, TN. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will Of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV)
Send forth Your light and Your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to Your holy mountain, to the place where You dwell. Then will I go to the alter of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise You with the harp, O God, my God.
Psalm 43:3-4 NIV
Valerie, Independence, KY: “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” [Matthew 5:17-18, NASB)
Debbie, Rochester, MN “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:8 NIV
Jillian, Laramie
“You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.”
ISAIAH 43:10
An excellent verse, as I head to Honduras in two days for a short term mission. GOD BE GLORIFIED!
Erin, Sulphur Springs, TX Revelation 5:12
saying in a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”
Benton, AR
“Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so all will go well with you.” Deuteronomy 6:18 NIV
Jennie, Johnson City, TN
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.
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
Kansas City
Eph 3:19-20 NLT
May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us to accomplish infinielty moree than we might ask or think.
Patty, West Branch, MI
The word is very near you;
It is in your mouth and
In your heart
that you may obey it.
Deuteronomy 30:14 NIV
Crystal, Oklahoma City, OK
Romans 5:3-5, NASB “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Cindy, Raleigh NC.
Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV)
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galations 6:9 (NIV)
Allison, Knoxville, TN – from Feb. 1st (forgot to post) My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Cor. 12:9
Feb. 15th – 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 Cor. 10:5
Kelly, Clarksville, TN
Psalm 103:2-3
Praise the LORD, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,