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.
Judy, LaPlata, MD
2 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Col 2:2 “I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God, then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Jesus, God’s great mystery. (NLT)
Tina
Mason, OH
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Eph. 2:10 NLT
Thou has enlarged me when I was in distress.
Psalm 4:1
Nancy
Hillsdale, MI
Jennifer, Las Vegas: I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him. (Psalm 40:1-3, NIV)
Frisco, TX
“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” ”
Romans 8:15
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 6:33 KJV
Lisa,Louisville, Tn
And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Colossians 3:17 NKJ
Tammy, Fayetteville, AR “In his heart a man plans his cours, but the Lord determines his steps.” Prov. 16:9 NIV
Maribeth
Cynthiana, KY
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 NIV
Angel
Tucson, AZ
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14: 27
Katherine, Russell
The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.
Psalm 37:23-24 (NLT)
Joanna Howard, Williamsburg, VA, can I join you guys?!
“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” – Prov.30:5 – ESV
Houston, Texas
Ëverything is permissible”-but not everything is benefical. “Everything is permissible-but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. 1Corithians 10:23-24 (NIV)
Huntsville, AL
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” Ephesians 2:10 ESV
Patti McDaniel, Fairview, Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without waivering for He who promised is faithful. NIV
“And I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News.” Philippians 1:12 NLT
Kristin, Oklahoma City
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 NIV
The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you. 2nd Samuel 7:11
Jamie, Fayetteville, GA
I’m starting on learning Psalm 18!
Psalm 18 KJV
1I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.
2The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Beth, Kansas City
James 1:6 NIV
But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
Best Regards,
LeAnn – Puyallup
Psalm 62:2 He alone is my rock and my salvation; his is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
NIV
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Wow! Thank you! I continuously needed to write on my website something like that. Can I take a fragment of your post to my blog?
I have made this my life verse, “My task is to bring out in the open and make plain, what God, who created all this in the first place, has been doing in secret and behind the scenes all along.” Ephesians 3:9. Don’t you just love it?
erie, pa “train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.”Provers 22:6
Donna, Fredericksburg, Virginia…I am so late in posting this, but I have been memorizing since the 15th!!
Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Ephesians 6:19-20 NIV
Nan, Coppell, TX
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Romans 12:12&13, NIV
Remembered the new verse on the 15th… forgot to post. Typing this one from memory already 🙂
Lin, Troy
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. John 14:1 (NIV 1984-2009)
Anne, Mt. Prospect, IL
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will worry about itself
Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34 NIV
Flo, Wetumpka, Al. Because of the Lord’s great LOVE we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
Susan, Virginia Beach
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 2:38 NIV
Kim
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:5
NKJV
Nicole
Baton Rouge, LA
“I am my beloved’s, and his desire is towards me.”
Song of Solomon 7:10 NKJV
Melissa, Smithfield, Psalm 91:16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation. NIV
Kim, Atlanta, GA
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
Jam 1:12 NIV
Nicole, Easley, SC
Hebrews 13:6 (NIV)
6 So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?”
Hey Nicole, love the verse. We don’t live far from each other!
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.
James 1:5
NIV
amy
Bham AL
Anna Madland, Corpus Christi, TX
“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy and we will find grace to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:16 NLT
“The horse is prepared for the day of battle,but victory belongs to the Lord.” Proverbs 21:31 (NASB)
“Is not My word like fire?” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer which shatters a rock?”
Jeremiah 23:29 (NAS)
Kim
Perrysburg, OH
Dawn,Augusta,GA
Psalm 68:35 (NIV)
You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!
Karen
Saskatoon, SK, Canada
“But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever.”
Psalm 52:8, ESV
Tally, Mountain Home
You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, His generosityexceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Phil. 4:19 The Message
Rena, Tulsa, OK: “Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.” Hebrews 10:36 NLT
Lyn, Casey:
I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
John 8:12 (NIV)
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
Heidi, Mount Vernon, OH: And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NIV
Psalm 5: 7-8
“But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy. In fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple. Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies. Make your way straight before my face.”
(NKJ)
Tina, Odessa, NIV, 1 Pet. 3:8-9
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 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.