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.
Lauren, Houston, TX
“Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always!”
Psalm 105:4 NIV
Mary, Atlanta
I say to myself “the Lord is my portion, therefore I will wait for him.”
Lamentations 3:24
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) – Tricia, Wilson TX
Tara, Roanoke VA
Psalms 139:23: Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. (NIV)
James 4:8 NIV Come near to God and He will come near to you.
Kirsten, Lubbock, TX
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT
Elizabeth/Lewisville,TX
I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?
Jeremiah 32:27 ESV
Romanos 6:23 El pago que da el pecado es la muerte pero el don de Dios es vida eterna en union con Cristo Jesus, nuestro Senor.
Marsi, Santa Barbara, CA
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1, NIV
Sharon Lititz,PA
Hebrews 10:23 NIV
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
Melanie, Queen City,
He puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we’ll never settle for less. 2 Corinthians 5:5
I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me out of the horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and made my footsteps firm. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:1-3 KJV
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
1 Corinithians 6(end of 19):20
King James Version
Jeanne keller, tx NASB Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
Bailey, Abilene, TX
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Psalm 139: 23-24 (NLT)
Andrea from Lancaster, PA
“Restore to me again the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.”
Psalm 51:12 NLT
Janine Round Rock, TX NIV
My dear brothers, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen and slow to become angry;
James 1:19
Cecily Atlanta “And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Julie – from Grimsby, ON Canada
Here are my 4 – been memorizing since January – but forgot to post them here!
Jan 1st – 1st verse:
“But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” Jude 20-22 (NIV)
Jan 15th – 2nd verse:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Chirst Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Feb 1st – 3rd verse:
“You will be secure because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. You wil lie down with no one to make you afraid.” Job 11: 18-19 (NIV)
Feb 15th – 4th verse:
“He reached down from on hight and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes who were too strong for me. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” Psalm 18: 16-17, 19
Rose H from Richmond, TX
In you, LORD my God, I put my trust.
Psalms 25:1 (NIV)
Jeremiah 29:11″For I know the Plans I have for you,says the Lord they are plans for good and not for disaster,to give you a future and a Hope”(NLT)
Lisa, St. Louis, MO
Ps 105:4 “Look to the Lord and his strength,
Seek his face always.”
Brea, Birmingham, Alabama: I have been working on Psalm 46:1-3 and split it up over Jan 15, Feb 1 and Feb 15. Here is all the verses, but this time I a memorizing verse 3:
1. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2. Therefore I will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. 3. “though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”
Psalm 46:1-3 (NIV)
Orange County, CA
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:7 (NLT)
Kyle Yarbrough Memphis, TN
Luke 1:45 NLT You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.
DeeDee, Calera Alabama
Isaiah 30:21 ESV
“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying,
“This is the way, walk in it,”
when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. “
Laura – Houston, TX
Below are my four verses I’ve been memorizing:
Psalm 63:3-4 “Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You. I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands.” (NIV)
Zephaniah 3:17 “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.” (NIV)
Psalm 25:4-5 “Show me Your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long.”
Ephesians 3:16-21 “I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 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 for ever and ever! Amen.” (NIV)
Jennifer Atlanta, Ga English Standard Version. 2 Cor. 12:9 My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Beth, Belton, TX
Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and make your heart glad.” Proverbs 29:17 (NLV)
Proverbs:1:7 (NIV) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Darcy, Poulsbo, WA “And now dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, nd honorable, and right, and pure, and lovel, and admireble. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philipians 4:8 (NLT)
Kristi, Orlando
May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work or our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17 NIV
Abi, Apopka: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring line, looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 NIV
Jill, Katy TX
Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
“1 The LORD is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1 New King James Version
Natalie ,Irmo, SC
Jeannie
Nashville, Tn.
“Surely God is my help; the LORD is the one who sustains me.” Psalm 54:4
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 NKJV
Ellen, Colorado Springs
Rejoice, O People of Jerusalem, rejoice in the LORD your God! For the rains he sends are tokens of forgiveness. Once more the autumn rains will come, as well as those of spring. The threshing floors will pile high again with wheat, and the presses overflow with olive oil and wine.
Joel 2:23-24
Georgann from Hemet, CA:
“And Saul’s son Jonatha went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.” I Sam. 23:16 My life verse discovered at last!
I AM SO SORRY I AM SO LATE . . NO GOOD EXCUSE, JUST LIFE.
Jennifer P. form Russellville, AR
Jeremiah 10:6 NLT
Lord, there is no one like you! For you are great, and your name is full of power.
Renee’ Nashville
Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct business fairly. Such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.
Psalm 112:5-7 NLT
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4: 31-32 (NLT)
Patti, Roxboro,NC “Even perfection has its limits, but Your commands have no limit.” Psalm 119:96 NLT
Elizabeth, Rocky Mount, NC:
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
martha waco – Set your mind on things above not on earthly things. Col. 3:2. NIV
My favorite toothpicks:
Tea Tree Therapy toothpicks.
They are infused with tea tree oil, menthol, cinnamon, peppermint, and fennel. Cleanses my mouth and makes it tingly fresh! Works great for those times when I’m not able to brush after a meal. (This is a whole lotta info on toothpicks, I know, but one last thing…) I like how they help curb my sweet tooth. I tend to want something sweet after a meal, anybody else? But I figured out that’s, in large part, me actually just wanting a DIFFERENT taste in my mouth, not necessarily something sweet. And these babies due the trick!
Oops!! That was supposed to go on a the “My Favorite (fill-in-the-blank) EVER” post!
No worries! You can resubmit it under the “My Favorite (fill-in-the-blank) EVER” post.
Kristy
Moore, Ok
Ps 42:8 ESV
“By day the Lord commands His steadfast love, and at night His sing is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.”
Rhonda
Anderson, IN
1 Corinthians 6:12 NIV
“Everything is permissible for me” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible – but I will not be mastered by anything.
Do not have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servants must not quarrel; instead, you must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
2 Timothy 2:23-24 NIV
Anna, DS La
Zephaniah -3-17
The Lord your God is with you. He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will guide you with his love. He will rejoice over you with singing.
The Lord lead me here when my husband was in cardiac ICU. 🙂