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.
Lee Ann, Naperville, Illinois
Hebrews 11:1 NIV
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1 NIV
Brooke, Kathryn and Cole, Naperville, Illinois
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Kimberly fort Wayne indiana
2 chonicles 20:17 “you will not have to fight this battle. Take up your position, stand firm and see the deliverance the lord will give you, o Judah and Jerusalem, do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.” niv
Proverbs 18:24 NLT There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.
Melanie – Tulsa, OK
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.
Ephesians 3:20 NIV
Raeleen –
Always be joyful, because you belong to the Lord!
Philippians 4:4 NIRV
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God he did not consider equality with God something to cling to. Instead he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminals death on the cross. Phil. 2:5-8
Holly Fishers, IN
And whatever you do, whether 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 (NIV)
Beth, Marion. Think of how we regard as blessed those who have endured. You have heard of Job’s endurance and you have seen the Lord’s purpose, that the Lord is full of compassion and mercy. James 5:11
Brandy, San Antonio “But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit & follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.” Numbers 14:24 NIV
Delinda
Alliance Nebraska
“I tell you”, Jesus replied, “If they keep quiet the stones will cry out”
Luke 19:40 NIV
Kim, Franklinton:
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners.
Isaiah 61:1, NIV
BREAKING FREE!
Bless those who persecute you, who are cruel in their attitude toward you; bless and do not curse them.
Romans 12:14
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
“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” ~Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)
Hollie – Granbury,TX
Stacy, Amherst
“For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does.”
Psalm 33:4 (NLT)
Beth A- Greenville, SC
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, forever and ever! Amen.
I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able.
2 Tim 1:12
“Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” According to your faith let it be to you.”
Matt. 9:28-29
Christina
Royse City, Texas
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Sheila,Addison,Michigan: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because He trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord is the rock eternal! Isaiah 26:3-4
Megan
Blue Springs, MO
Phillipians 1:6
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.
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
1 John 4:18 NIV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Jessica Secrest
Ft. Irwin, CA
Dawn Missouri City, Texas
Isaiah 41:13 NIV
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.
Lamentations 3:22-24 ESV
Th steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him.”
Evangeline, Loveland
However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Cor. 2:9
I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. Daniel 10:3 NKJV
I’m 9 days into my Daniel fast
Amy, Omaha, NE
Know that the Lord, He is God. It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Psalm 100:3 (NKJV)
Ashley, Nikiski, AK: Psalm 34:7(NIV)
“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and delivers them.”
(I am catching up…got a late start!)
Laura Kathryne
Auburn, AL
“Return, O faithless sons; I will heal your faithlessness.” “Behold, we come to you, for you are the LORD our God.” Jeremiah 3:22 ESV
I John 1:4 We write this to make our joy complete. NIV
Jennifer D
Matthew 26:41 (KJV)
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
SSMT Verse 4
Psalm 37:7
“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemse to pass.”
Psalms 37:7 Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. Yelm,WA. new american standerd
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us-whatever we ask-we know that we have what we asked of him”.
-1 John 5:14-15 TNIV
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 Whoot!
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you!
Psalm 63:3 NIV
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you! Psalm 63:3 NIV
Not to us, Lord,not to us,but to your name give glory because of Your faithful love Psalm 115:1
Brittany, Gainesville, FL:
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
-Philippians 2:12
Lora
Mooresburg
The children of whom you were bereaved will yet say in your ears,’The place is too cramped for me; make room for me that I may live here.’ Isaiah 49:20
1 Chronicles 29:11 Yours, O Lord, are the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in the heavens and on the earth is yours; yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.
If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all.
Isaiah7:9
PSALM 139:1 NIV
Lord, you have searched
me and you know me.
Lori
Bangor, Maine
My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him. He only is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be moved.
Psalm 62:5-6
Amplified
Isaiah 40:30-31 (New International Version, ©2011)
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.
Col. 3:2 (Amplified)
Susan, Oklahoma City, OK
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33 NIV
Reneé, Missouri City, TX
“You turned my wailing into dancing, you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever!”
Psalm 30:11-12 NIV
Natalie, Kiowa, Colorado
“In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.” Proverbs 14:26 ESV
3-21-11 PSALMS 31:1 KJV
In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust, Let me never be ashamed; deliver me in thy righteousness.
Jesi / North Richland Hills, Tx
You’ve been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and you’ll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers.
1 Timothy 4:6-10 The Message