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.
Ruth, Okinawa, Japan
Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV
Heather, Fredericksburg, VA, “But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken from her.'”. Luke 10:41-42, ESV
Heb 13:15 (NIV) Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.
Debbie, Pittsburgh, PA
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Joshua 1:8 NIV
Tyler Rowan
Sherwood Park, AB, Canada
Set your minda on things above, not on earthly things.
~ Colossians 3:2 (NIV)
Rebecca, Houston.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil by good.”
-Romans 12:21
NIV
Kait, Pittsburgh “And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the Lord.” Hosea 2:19-20 (ESV)
Queen City, TX
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food and the body more important than clothes? Matthew 6:25 TNIV
Lynchburg, VA
Proverbs 3:5 (English Standard Version)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Wendi– Murray, KY
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace that passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil. 4:6-7 NIV
Billie, Franklin,TN
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV
“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth.”
Psalm 119:103 (NIV)
Shell, SC
so late this month ~ i can’t keep up w/ february!
” I am holding you by your right hand. I guide you with my counsel and afterward I will take you into Glory!’
Ps.73:23,24 (NIV)
Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
Psalm 46:10 ESV
Mindy, Rowley, IA :Exodus 15:11 Who is like You, O LORD among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? NKJV
Dana Houston
I appeal to you therefore brothers (sisters!), by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Romans 12:1 ESV
Rom 12:3 And be not conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove [know, discern] what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Columbus, Ohio
Joyce-Bison, SD “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him. Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.” NIV
PAULA HOGUE, WICHITA FALLS, TX
Phil 3:12 (NAS)
Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Kay – Austin,Deuteronomy 6:8 -4Hear O Israel, The Lord our God. The Lord is one. 5Love the Lord your God with all you heart, with all your soul and with all your strength. 6These commandments that I give to you today are to be upon your hearts. 7Impress them upon your children. Talk about them when you sit at home, When you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on our foreheads. NIV
No one is holy like the LORD,For there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God 1 Samuel 2:2 (NKJV)
Wilkesboro – New to this so I forgot my town. I am so excited to join
II Chronicles 16:9
“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.”
Judie – Sterling City, Texas
“If you seek(crave)Him, you will find Him.”
1 Chronicles28:9 NIV
Dana, Zachary The Lord will perfect that which concerns me;
Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever;
Do not forsake the works of Your hands. Psalm 138:8 NKJV
Rhonda, Searcy “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all, the Lord is near. Philippians 4:4-5 NIV
Amber
Waco, Texas
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.
Jeremiah 17:7 (NIV)
Shana, Tuscaloosa
“Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?” says the Lord, “Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery?” says your God. “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.”
Isaiah 66:9, 13a NIV
Jill, Prosper
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Galations 5:1 NIV
Ashlie Yukon, OK
“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 1:4 amp
Susannah, Tucson: So make every effot to apply the benefits of these promises to your life. Then your faith will produce a life of moral excellence. A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better. 2 Peter 1:5 (NLT)
KaRetha
Denham Springs, LA
Numbers 32:23 “But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the LORD; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.” (NIV)
Kathryn, Atmore, AL – “Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; He won’t leave you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (The Message)
Bethany S.
Modesto, Ca
I am continuing to memorize last times verse. I chose 2 and got one memorized but not the other.
She will have no fear of bad news; her heart is steadfast trusting in the Lord.
Psalm 112:7. (NIV)
Shari, Westland, MI
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
Though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
Though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NIV)
Roxanne, Glendora, CA: “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” Hebrews 11:8 NIV
Hannah (12 yr old) Princeton, MN:
“A cheerful look brings joy to your heart. And good news gives health to your body.” Proverbs 15:30 NIrV
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged for I am your God.” Isaiah 41:10
Josie (8 yr old) Princeton, MN:
“The boastful cannot stand in your presence; you hate all evildoers.” Psalm 5:5 HCSB
Elizabeth, Midland
Ps.126:1-3
When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed.
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”
The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
Judy – Houston
Psalm 37:4 (NASV)
Delight yourself in the Lord
And He will give you the desires of your heart.
Haleigh and Isabel, Midland
Proverbs 4:11 The Message
I’m writing out clear directions to Wisdom Way, I’m drawing a map to Righteous Road.
Holly TN Acts 17:27″so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.”
Sandy in Amarillo
Unfading beauty of a gentle spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
1 Peter 3:4 NIV
Kristen, Austin. “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
Mary Beth, Woodstock, GA
May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high!
Psalm 20:1 NASB
Christy, Cincinnati, OH
Matthew 6:33-34 NIV
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NIV
Suzanne Lindsey Canton, MS
The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem: Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly Meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun?
Brittany, Louisville KY
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
-Romans 12:9-10, NLT
Nanette, Houston:
Isaiah 43: 18-19 (the Message): Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.