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.
Becky, St. Augustine,
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with
all your soul and with all your mind and with all
your strength.”
Mark 12:30 NIV
Carol
Carthage, NY
Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed;
he answers him from his holy heaven
with the saving power of his right hand.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
Psalm 20: 6&7 NIV
Sandi T., Wichita Falls, TX “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6 NIV
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (NIV) Timberlea, NS
Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Champaign, And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19 NIV
Robin, Mt. Carmel, TN
“Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.” Proverbs 21:5 (NLT)
2 Timothy 1:7 (New King James)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.
Sherry Nowata OK
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Amy, Los Angeles
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2, ESV
Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Amy Toney, Houston TX: “The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.” – Isaiah 32:17-18 NIV
Christine, Oxford, MI
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
Proverbs 16:3 NIV
Wanda – Laurel, MS
Philippians 2:14-15 (NASB)
Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world.
Colleen, Richmond, VA
2 Timothy 2:19 (HCSB)
Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, having this inscription: The Lord knows those who are His, and everyone who knows the name of the Lord must turn away from unrighteousness.
Lisa S. Olathe –
Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:19 (Amp)
Sheila – Union City, Indiana
James 1:5 (NIV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Don’t use dirty or foolish or filthy words. Instead, say how thankful you are.
Ephesians 5:4 CEV
Liz
Prescott, WI
Emily
Valparaiso, IN
Revelation 3:7 “These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.” NIV
Linda S.
McCalla AL
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14 NIV
Beth G from Marion, IA – 1 Thes 4:18 NIV
Therefore encourage each other with these words.
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people
Ephesians 1:18 NIV
Diane from West Virginia
Praise him with tambourine and dancing,
praise him with strings and flute,
Praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord!
Psalm 150:4-6
NIV
Tracy Leigh, Paris, MO- “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your GOD goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
Atlanta, GA
‘This is what the Sovereign Lord,
the Holy One of Israel says:
In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it.’
Isaiah 30:15 NIV
Sheilah, Melbourne, Florida
Jeremiah 23:39 (NIV) “Is not my word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?”
Holly, N. Charleston SC
Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. Psalm 139:4 NIV
Rachel, Evansville, IN
Talk and act like a person expecting to be judged by the Rule that sets us free. For if you refuse to act kindly, you can hardly expect to be treated kindly. Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time. James 2:12-13 (The Message)
LC from Rockwell NC Luke 12:34 KJV For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Alexis, Houston. “May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our hope in you.” Psalm 33:20-22
Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. NIV
SHARON MCLAUGHLIN
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL
THE UNGODLY ARE NOT SO;
BUT ARE LIKE THE CHAFF WHICH THE THE WIND DRIVETH AWAY
THEREFORE THE UNGODLY SHALL NOT STAND IN THE JUDGEMENT,
NOR SINNERS IN THE CONGREGATION OF THE RIGHTEOUS.
FOR THE LORD KNOWETH THE WAY OF THE RIGHTEOUS,
BUT THE WAY OF THE UNGODLY SHALL PERISH.
PSALM 1:4-6
Paddy
Plattsburgh, NY
…for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am.
Phil. 4:11b Amplified Bible
Andrea, Saskatchewan, Canada:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2, NLT
Patty, Ashland OH
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works,so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:9-10, English Standard Version (ESV)
Denise, Mishawaka
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29 NASB
Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. Psalm 116:7 NIV
Megan Boston, MA
Janice, Topeka,KS Phil. 4:19 KJV
But my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Marie, Easley, SC
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
I Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)
Lisa
Charlotte, NC
Isaiah 43:19 NASB
“Behold,I will do something new, now it will spring forth;
Will you not be aware of it?
I will even make a roadway in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Lynn
Roseville
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to him. NIV
Rebecca, Virginia
“Don’t forget all I’ve taught you; take to heart my commands. They’ll help you live a long, long time; a long life lived full and well. Don’t lose your grip on Love and Loyalty. Tie then around your neck; carve their initials on your heart. Earn a reputation for living well in God’s eyes and the eyes of people. Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure everything out on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume you know everything.”
Proverbs 3:1-12 The Message
Joy, Pasco, WA
A man without self control is like a city broken into and without walls. Proverbs 25:28 ESV
Luke 1:38 NIV
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.”
SHARON MCLAUGHLIN
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL
V 4: THE UNGODLY ARE NOT SO;
BUT ARE LIKE THE CHAFF WHICH THE WIND DRIVETH AWAY.
V 5: THEREFORE THE UNGODLY SHALL NOT STAND IN THE JUDGMENT,NOR SINNERS IN THE CONGREGATION OF THE RIGHTEOUS.
V 6:FOR THE LORD KNOWETH THE WAY OF THE RIGHTEOUS;
BUT THE WAY OF THE UNGODLY SHALL PERISH.
PSALM 1:4-5, KJV
Melanie, Atlanta, GA
Keep alert adn pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you.For the spirit indeed is willing, but how weak the body is. Matthew 26:41 Living Bible
Cathy, Raleigh, 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. II Corinthians 10:5 NIV
Jennifer :),
*Sorry Im late!!!!
Create in me a clean heart oh God, renew a loyal spirit with in me.
Psalm 51:10
NLT
Enterprise AL
Julie, Goldfield, IA; “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit.” Psalm 147:5 NIV
Sallie, Tupelo…Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. NIV