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.
Lani; Mt. Pleasant, TX. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.
Romans 8:33 KJV
Courtney, Pooler, GA
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
Beth, Louisville, Tn Song of Songs 7:10
“I belong to my lover, and his desire is for me.”
Jeannette, Ellicott City, MD
Continuing on in Psalm 112
3 They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will last forever.
4 Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.
5 Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly.
6 Such people will not be overcome with evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered.
Psalm 112:3-6. NLT
Abby El Campo, Tx
All the days ordained for me were written in
Your book before one of them came to be.”
Psalm 139:16b (NIV)
Cara, Lewisville, TX
“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.”
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NLT
Brayden and Bodies Mama
Ruston, LA
A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.
Proverbs 15:18
The Message
Charr, Absarokee Mt
KJV Psalm 27:13
I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Shelli, Houston: “For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do.” ~ 1 Timothy 2:10 (NLT)
“My grace is sufficient for thee; for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor. 12:9
“Though one can be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Ecclesiastes 4:12
NIV
Kate, Statesboro GA:
“But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children — with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. Ps 103:17-18 NIV
YES!! I am hungry for some scripture memory! I love that I have these verses written on my heart and mind! I find myself watching the calendar for the next scripture memory to commit to. I was up before the crack of dawn with mine already chosen and written in my spiral!
What I am also thrilled about is that my 5 year old son who has Autism is memorizing scripture right along with me! He can spout them like a full open faucet! And we talk about what it means to him. He cant seem to get the address of the verses, but he gets the words perfectly, and he knows what it means.
Beth I also want to thank you for being real and tangible. I just love Jesus! He gives us sisters in Christ to spur each other on in that Love.
Ok, Here is mine:
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. Philipians 2:14-16a NIV
And my little guys verse:
I praise you God, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made! Ps. 139:14 NIV
Cindy and Corban
Indianapolis, IN
Wendy, Rock Island, IL
“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.” 1 Peter 4:8-9 NLT
Sherry, Hillsboro, OR
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NET
Isaiah 43:18,19
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. NIV
Joy, Peachtree City. 27 “A worthless man digs up evil, While his words are as a scorching fire.” 28 “A perverse man spreads strife, And a slanderer separates intimate friends.” Proverbs 16:27-28 (NAS)
Sara, Virginia. “…as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 (my church is memorizing this verse right now, how perfect!)
Marilyn, Albuquerque
” For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isa.55:8-9 NIV
Hannah, Austin, TX –
Deuteronomy 1:31 NASB
“…and in the wilderness where you saw how the LORD your God carried you, just as a man carries his son, in all the way which you have walked until you came to this place.”
Heather, Franklin, MA
Matthew 14:27 (NLT)
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
Marilyn, Fort Pierce, FL, 7Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:7-8
“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your Heart.”
Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
Heather, S.D.
Janice,
Arcanum, OH
Fight the good fight of faith, take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
I Timothy 6:12
NASB
Sabrina, Morristown, Tennessee
“It’s a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God. It’s a good thing when you’re young to stick it out thought the hard times.” Lamentations 3:26-27 The Message
PHIL. 2:4 NIV
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Paige, Overland Park, KS –
“We, though, are going to love – love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.” (1 John 4:19 – The Message)
This one is for Joanne.
So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6
Kristie
Queen City, TX
casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 NKJV
SO DO NOT FEAR, FOR I AM WITH YOU; DO NOT BE DISMAYED, FOR I AM YOUR GOD. I WILL STRENGTHEN YOU AND HELP YOU; I WILL UPHOLD YOU WITH MY RIGHTEOUS RIGHT HAND.
ISAIAH 41:10 NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION
Jackie, Arnold, MO
“He has saved us and called us to a holy life- not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.”
2 Timothy 1:9 NIV
All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. Ps 25:10
Stefanie, Parrish FL
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16 NIV
Georganne, Piedmont, Ok.
Psalm 19:13-14 NIV
Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Brenda, Raleigh
‘Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me’
2 Corin 12:9 NLT
Britt, Prior Lake, MN :
Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Habbakuk 3:17-18, NIV.
Valerie, Queen Creek “Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.” Proverbs 19:11 NLT
Connie, Reidville, SC
There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our GOD.
-1 Samuel 2:2, NIV
Heather P, Vancouver, WA
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You; whose thoughts are fixed on You.” Isaiah 26:3
Cassandra Marienville, PA (in Hickory, NC)
2 Timothy 2:16
“Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.” (NIV)
Leslie, Decatur, TX
The secret counsel of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He reveals His convenant to them. Psalms 23:14 HCSB
Karen Norman, Gallatin, TN:
III John 1:4: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” New American Standard version
Bambi – Houston, TX
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV
Karen, Birmingham. “My ears had heard of You but now my eyes have seen You.” Job 42:5 NIV
Trust in him at all times, ye people; pour out your Heart before him. God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8 KJV
Jennifer – Billings, MT
Colossians 4:6 NLT
Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.
Baileigh, Spartanburg, SC “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11
Alisa, Raleigh, NC
Col 3:3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ESV
Karla~Sedro-Woolley,WA~1 Corinthians 13:4-5 HCSB
Love is patient; love is kind. Love does not envy;is not boastful; is not conceited; does not act improperly; is not selfish; is not provoked; does not keep a record of wrongs.