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.
Kelly, Fredericksburg, VA
Matthew 8:13
Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go!It will be done just as you believed it would be done”.
And his servant was healed at that very hour..
Elizabeth, Falls Church, Psalm 5:3 NIV
“In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice;
In the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”
Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Jane
Boone, NC
For I am the Lord you God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you do not feat I will help you. IS 41:13
Jodi, Greenville, SC
my dear brothers & sisters, take note of this: 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
Trisha, Midland, TX:
The Lord is my strength and shield.
I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
Psalm 28:7, NLT
stephanie from Morgantown,WV
Jeremiah 23:29
“Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?” NIV
Janine, Minneapolis
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Rejoice always! Pray constantly. Give thanks in everything for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Lindsey, Odessa, tx
‘Rather, train yourselves for godliness, for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life as well as the life to come.”
1 Timothy 4:7-8 ESV
Houston “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
Julie in Absarokee Montana
The Lord gives his people strength; the Lord grants his people security.
PS 29:11
NET
Macy in Absarokee Montana
Trust in him at all times; [ye] people, pour out your heart before him: God [is] a refuge for us. Selah.
PS 62:8
KJV
Jade in Absarokee Montana
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Selah
PS 62:8
NIV
Becca, Hernando Beach, Fl.
NIV
Galatians 5:16
So I say,live by the Spirit and you will not gratify the evil desires of the sinful nature.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Luke 6:31
NV
Isaiah 41:13
For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you “Do not fear; I will help you”
Belinda,Neely MS–When I am afraid, I wput my trust in You.
Ps 56:3 NIV
Carla from Lufkin, TX
“He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep.” Psalm 121:3-4 NIV
TJ Weeden, Myrtle Beach, SC
‘Now may the God of peace Himself santicfy you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who will also do it.’
1 Thess.5:23-24 NKJV
Diana Yarborough, Gallatin, TN
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Psalms 139:23 NIV
Praise the Lord, O my soul and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.
Ps 103:2-4 NIV
Terra from Owasso, Oklahoma
“Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. Colossians 3:1,2 NAS
Rebecca, Florida
John 15:5
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Zephaniah 3:17 (New Living Translation)
“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
Sharon from San Antonio, TX
This is my command: Love each other. John 15:17 (NIV)
Allie, Memphis: “For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might.” Ephesians 1:15-19 (ESV)
Ann, Edmond – “So I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NLT)
Lisa, Alabama
“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in the praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:6 ESV
“But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.” Mark 16:4 NIV God will give us the grace we need when we need it…not before!
Hannah, Chicago
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed
We are perplexed, but not driven to despair
We are hunted down, but are never abandoned by God
We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.
~ 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NLT
“…we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4 (TNIV)
from North Richland Hills
But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.
(NKJV) Mat 9: 222
Philippians 1:6 NIV
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Lisa, Chattanooga, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NAS
Leanne, Maple Ridge, B.C. Canada
“We must pay more careful attention,therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” Hebrews 2:1 NIV
Lorraine, Smithfield, NC
“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am He. Before me no god was found, nor will there ever be one after me”. Isaiah 43:10
If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:15-16 (NIV)
Anita Howard
Valdosta, GA
Sarah, from Newburgh, IN:
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” Psalm 103:2 NIV
Angela, Cleveland,TN
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
John 14:1 (NIV)
Susan, Hillsboro,KS
Romans 11:33 – 36 NAS
“Oh the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God. How unsearchable His judgments and unfathomless His ways!
For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor?
Or, who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to Him again?
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen
Lisa, Cartersville, GA “God will make this happen, for He Who calls you is faithful.” 1 Thes. 5:24
Mar from Phoenix, AZ
Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. 1 Corin. 10:23
Debbie
Fuquay-Varina, NC
“My dear friends, you should be quick to listen and slow to speak or to get angry.”
James 1:19
Contemporary English Version
Matt. 28:19-20 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
Kathy, Corinth, TX. These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is the Lord of lords and the King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful. Revelation 17:14 NASB
Prissy Chambers
Midland, TX
“Be at rest once more, O my soul,
for the Lord has been good to you.”
Psalm 116:7 NIV
Amber in Jacksonville
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.” Lamentations 3:22 (NIV)
Virginia in NC – NASB
Judges 6:12
The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “the LORD is with you, O valiant Warrior.
Deborah J., Clearwater, FL
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37-38, NIV)
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:7 NIV