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.
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I put my trust in you.
Show me the way that I should go,
for to you I entrust my life.
Psalms 143:8 (NIV)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 7:28
Tracy, Corpus Christi TX
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23, ESV
Maxine, Bozeman, MT
Romans 12:10
“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another” NKJV
(I’ve changed my 3rd verse because I decided to memorize all “one another” verses. Therefore my 3rd verse is now: John 15:12 “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” NKJV)
Amy, St. Louis
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
James 3:17 NIV
Kim Connecticut
Marie, Byhalia, Ms
Romans 12:1 AMP
I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive
dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living
sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your
reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual
worship.
Janet, Moberly, MO
Romans 10:10
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. (New International Version, 2010)
Sheila, Beckley, WV Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Colossians 4:6 nkjv
Janet, Bradenton, FL
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 NIV
Jaclyn Richmond, VA
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Chelsea, Atlanta, “But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to be a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.”
Psalm 59:16-17 (ESV)
Greenacres, FL
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9
Veronica
Eldorado, Texas
Matthew 22:37 (NIV)
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mine.”
Beth, I just want to thank you for just being you.
I really appreciate your words and blogs. A mentor I have (she is a gift from God, I am positive) gave me some of your sermons to listen in the car.
I just wanted to let you know how much they meant to me. THANK YOU!
-Tara
Debora, Lakewood, CA
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
James 1:26 NIV
Denise
Deming, NM
Psalm 27:8 NKJV
“When You said, “Seek My face.” My heart said to You “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”
Proverbs 3:7-8
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. (NIV)
Enduring 5 days of being very sick along with my teenage daughter it’s a blessing to find so much in the Word about health…illness…healing!
Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than
for self. Loves doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut, doesn’t have a swelled head,
doesn’t force itself on others.
I Corinthians 13:4,The Message
Melissa, Round Rock, TX
(Continuing through the Proverbs 31 woman)
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
Proverbs 31:12 NIV
Hillary, Auburn, AL
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. – James 1:4 NKJV
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”-Hebrews 11:1
Andi, W. Lafayette IN:
Forgot to post but have written this out and have been working on it:
“Have you never heard or understood? Don’t you know that the Lord is the Everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary. Noone can measure the depths of His understanding. He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31 NLT
Krista, Portland, OR
My determined purpose is that I may know Him, that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His person. Philippians 3:10, Amplified
Gina Webster, Spring, tx
We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.
2 co 1:8-9
ashley e
huntsville, al
2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV)
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ
Charlie-Mississippi
Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart. (NIV)
Zechariah 4:6 b Not by might nor by power but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.
Stephanie, Rhode Island
“You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” – Proverbs 19:21 (NLT)
Nancy M., Columbia, MO
“Put up with each other, and forgive each other if anyone has a complaint. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Colossians 3:13 (God’s Word Translation)
Kim, Searcy, Arkansas. “For(Kim)trusts in the Lord; for the unfailing love of the Most High will not be shaken.”
Psalm 21:7 NIV Bible.
Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” NIV
Janet, Auburn, My God will supply all my needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus. NIV
Sarah. Sydney.Aus.
Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
Proverbs 28:14 NIV.
Melissa, Blairsville.
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” Psalm 143:8 NIV
Waiting expectantly….
Janice, Walker, MI
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1 (NIV)
Lauren, New Braunfels: Keep your servant from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. Ps. 19:13, NIV
Erma, Houston
I lift up my eyes to the hills–where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and Earth. NIV
Lindsay Mobile, Al (better late than never I guess)
“I have heard all about you, Lord. I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by.” Habakuk 3:2 NLT gah I just love this verse!!
I am so far behind, I think I’m ahead….
Janice, Houston, TX
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:2, NIV
Lisa, Spring, TX
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
James 1:19-20 NIV
Philippians 4:19 Net
“And my God will supply your every need according to His riches in Christ Jesus.”
Kelli
Texas
“For You are great and do wondrous deeds; you alone are God.”
Psalm 86:10 NASB
“For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted my petition made to him.” 1 Samuel 1:27 AMP
ls, north carolina
‘behold, I have engraved you on the palms of My Hands; your walls are continually before me.’
-isaiah 49:16 esv
Birmingham, AL
“Unlike other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.”
Hebrews 7:27, NIV
Jennifer, Concord, CA
Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.
Psalm 62:8 NKJ
Ashlee, Danville, VA
‘because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!’
James 2:13
Diana; Richmond, VA
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NIV
Sara from Pierre ” 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 sea and all that is in them. You give life to everything and the multitudes of heaven worship you.” Nehemiah 9:6 NIV