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.
Fear not for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you. I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isiah 41:10 Revised Standard– Hester, Vicksburg, Ms.
Rachel
Tucson, AZ
Deuteronomy 7:6 NIV
For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out off all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.
Kerry Lozier, Pittsburgh, PA
First time on here, just found out about this and now joining:
Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will (get it). Mark 11:24
Taken from “Battlefield of the Mind” by Joyce Myers
Kirsten, San Francisco
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
“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 Christ Jesus.”
Becca from Austin, TX
“Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.” Psalm 105:4
And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NIV
Dee
Kyle, TX
Kara from Lancaster, PA
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Proverbs 22:6 NLT
Brandy
Bangor, MI
“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.”
Galatians 6:9 (NASB)
Melissa
Asheville, NC
“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Mark 8:36-37 NIV
Staci from Wichita,KS
Psalm 84:5 (NIV) Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.
“Again he said, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.’”
John 20:21 (NLT)
Julie, Jackson, Mo “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” John 16:24 NIV
Dana, Pace, FL
For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2Chronicales 16:9 NIV
Teri, Opelousas, LA: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; against such things there is no law. Galations 5:23-23 (ESV)
Sara, College Station TX:
“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)
Arlington, VA, James 1:19, NIV “My dear brothers, take not of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry”
Richmond, Virginia
Patience is better than power, and controlling one’s temper, than capturing a city.
Proverbs 16:32 (HCSB)
Sue Greenwood, IN
When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is wise. PROVERBS 10:19 HCSB
Tiffany, League City. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock, my redeemer.” Psalms 19:14 ESV
Jenna H
Benton, AR
“Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22,23 NKJV
“Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 GOD’S WORD
Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure,or whether it be right.
“Then the Lord said, ‘I am making a covinant with you. Before all your people I will do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world. The people you live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the Lord, will do for you. Obey what I command you today.”
Ex. 34:10-11
Teri, Romeo, MI.
Psalm 24:5-6
They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob.
Nikki, Nashville, TN
“All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; He’ll never let you be pushed past your limits; He’ll always be there to help you come through it.” 1 Cor 10:13b(MSG)
Linda, Spring Tx.
NIV Proverbs 21:23
He who guards his mouth and his tongue
keeps himself from calamity.
Leigh T., Houston, TX: “Let your gentleness be evident to all.” Philippians 4:5 NIV
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” ~James 5:16 (ESV)
Allison: Belton, SC
‘This is what the Lord says, “Stand at the crossroads and look. Seek the ancient paths; ask for the good path, and walk in it and you will find rest for your souls.”‘
Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)
Lisa in Ponder, Tx
Mark 11:25 “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” NIV
Holly
Apex, NC
John 1:17 (NIV)
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Chelsea, Mobile AL
” Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer.” Psalm 94:19 Living Bible
Psalm 103:13 [God} is like a father to us, tender and sympathetic to those who reverence Him.
Elaine,Indianapolis
because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. Rom.8:2 NIV
Loganville, GA
For nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37 NIV
Carolyn, St. Peters, MO
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. Proverbs 29:11 NIV
Bridget~ Cadillac, MI
He changes times and seasons; He sets up Kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.
Melissa; Austin, TX: “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 (NLT)
Ivy Morrison, Willis TX
“Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep.”
Psalm 121:4 HCSB
Amy, Gainesville, GA
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 NKJV
Sharon, Los Angeles
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Eph. 2:8,9 NKJ
New to this so starting late:
“And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel.” Eph 6:19 KJ
Mollie, Kernersville, NC
Romans 12:12. Rejoice in hope, patient in tribulation and constant in prayer.
Stacey – Mississippi
Phillipians 2:3
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.
New Living Translation
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?”
James 2:14 NIV
Hannah, Cheney, WA
The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them;and you will be changed into a different person.1 Samuel 10:6 (NIV)
A prayer request. I am plagued by ongoing anxiety especially when it comes to my daughter’s health. I have suffered many major losses in the last 4 years and as a result fear something bad happening to my daughter. She seems to have the stomach flu today and I am all wrapped up with anxiety. Please pray for my daughter and me. I so believe in the power of prayer; it has gotten us through so much in the last 4 years.
Our thanks in advance. God bless
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32 NIV
Kerri, FL
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
Matthew 7:7
Debbie, MI