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.
Carole, Imperial, CA: “The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone? Ecclesiastes 6:11 NIV
Angela – Hampton VA
Ephesians 2:8 NIV
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
Ashley,West Monroe. Whatever you do,work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23 NIV
Debbie P Modesto CA
Jer 31:3 NIV
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.
I got a late start so I am doubling up until I’m caught up with all y’all…
Emily
Fort Mill, SC
“Good people bring good things out of the good stored up in their heart, and evil people bring evil things out of the evil stored up in their heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.”
–Luke 6:45–
Margo, Laramie, WY
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.”
Isaiah 30:15 NIV
Emily from Kingsport, TN
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)
Ann — Cripple Creek, VA
Philippians 2:3&4 NIV
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
DLynn; Amarillo
Mal. 3:16 NIV
Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name.
Kyla, Topeka: Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 ASV
mk – gig harbor, wa
“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
Sorry this is late, just couldn’t make up my mind.
Philippieans 4:19- Amplified Bible
“And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Beth, Friendswood TX
Jeremiah 33:3
Call to me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.
Kim, Farmers Branch, TX
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverb 15:1 (ESV)
Beth, Alabama
Proverbs 22:17-18
Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise,
and apply your mind to my knowledge;
for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,
that they may be ready on your lips.
Abbey, Houston: “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive.” 1 Corinthians 10:23 NIV
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalms 51:10
Hi Beth! (and hi Melissa & Amanda)! I just found your blog, and I luvvvv it! I have done a number of your studies on my own, and read/listened to a lot of your books. I just want to let you know that the three of you inspire me to keep looking to God in everything I do. It has been hard finding a new church/group of Christian women (I am 32) in the new place I recently moved (for my fiancee’s job). But, having your studies and inspirational words has helped me feel like I have you guys with me… even though we are states away. 🙂
I hope to visit some extended family in Houston soon, and would love to make it to your church. I am definitely coming to see you when you come to SLC this summer!
Thank you so much for you and your daughters wonderfullness!!! (I don’t know if that’s a word, but it fits)
Jacquelynn
Janet, Wingate, NC: Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Col. 3:12 NIV
wendy, broken arrow ok.,I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. Ps. 16:7-8 NLT
Glenda, Tualatin
“So- who is like me? Who holds a candle to me?” says The Holy. Look at the night skies; Who do you think made all this? Who marches this army of stars out each night, counts them off, calls each by name – so magnificent! so powerful! – and never overlooks a single one?
Isaiah 40:25-26 Msg
Susan, Sydney.
He says, “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 NIV
Myra, Lisbon, Portugal
Ephesians 3:20-21 “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, forever and ever! Amen.”
(Sorry, was at Science Camp with my students)
Joanne, Fremont, CA
“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
I will not forsake them.”
Isaiah 42:16, NIV
Debra, Dahlgren, IL
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Denise from Burlington CT “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gently at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden i give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NLT
Mary Ann – Summerville
The Lord watches over you – the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. Psalm 121:5-6
Late check in but not late in starting!
Lee in Western Michigan
Titus 2:4-5 (NIV)
They can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”
Elizabeth
Wilmette, IL
I Peter 1:8-9 NIV
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,
for you are receiving the goal of your faith,
the salvation of your souls.
Cindi, Orange TX
For the word of the Lord holds true and we can trust everything He does. He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth
Psalm 33: 4-5
Paula, Newark, OH
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.”
Colossians 1:9-12 NIV
Sorry to come in late, but so happy to be here 🙂
Kathy @ Wilmington NC
“We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” 2 Corinthians 10:5
Rebecca, Grand Prairie
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor. Romans 12:10 NASB
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.”
Chicago.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers,against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.
Ephesians 6:12 (NET)
Philippians 3:12-14 NAS
“Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of god in Christ Jesus.”
Carolyn
Wheaton
Grace, Decatur, Alabama
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Adelina, Houston, TX:
“The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
Psalm 139:17 How precious to me are your thoughts, Oh God! How vast is the sum of them! I heard this on K-Love this week and it really impacted me that God actually has thoughts of me going on in his mind! Wow! I froze and then thought (super excited) that is my siesta verse! 🙂
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58
NIV
Erin, Arkansas
Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Colossians 3:18
Kori I, Cabot, AR; Proverbs 10:19: When words are many, sin is not absent, But he who holds his tongue is wise. NIV
Lori, Manitoba Canada
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious
riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19(NIV)
Rhonda, Aptos, CA
Psalm 55:22 (NIV)
Cast all your cares on the Lord and
He will sustain you;
He will never let the righteous fall.
Psalm 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Jill, Spring, TX. “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
Meg.
Stanford, CA
James 1:19 NIV
My dear brothers, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
Can you tell I’m on a diet and need the encouragement only the Lord can give?
Bremen, GA
Lynette, Quincy Illinois , NIV
“In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”
Jamie, Phoenix:
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.
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)