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.
Sally
Columbus, OH
“Before a word is on my tongue, You know it completely, O Lord.”
Psalm 139:4
NIV
Rock Hill, SC
An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones. Proverbs 12:4 NKJV
…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. Philippians 1:6 NIV
But the Lord is faithful and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV
Kimberly Orr–Zionsville, Indiana
Shannon in Louisville, KY
Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
Romans 15:4 (NLT)
Karen, Dover, NH “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me, your Love, O Lord, endures forever–do not abandon the works of your hands.” Ps 138:8 NIV
Beth, Ft Collins Colorado
“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
Lori, Mapleville, RI, “I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” Psalm 16:8 KJV
Andrea, Overland Park, KS.
“Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He did not love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.”
Ephesians 5:2
The Message
Becky Jo
Chesterfield, MI
I have seen You in Your sanctuary and gazed upon Your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise You! I will praise You as long as I live, lifting up my hands to You in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise You with songs of joy.
Psalm 63:2-5 NLT
Erin, Grayson: Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Psalm 25:5 KJV
Susan (Nokomis IL) To do this, I work and struggle, using Christ’s great strength that works so powerfully in me.(NCV)
repost (forgot the reference!) Susan (Nokomis IL) To do this, I work and struggle, using Christ’s great strength that works so powerfully in me. Colossians 1:29(NCV)
way to go, Susan! right with you.
Debbie Pinckney, MI
Romans 9:20 NIV
But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘why did you make me like this?'”
Olathe, KS Romans 8:6 CEV “If our minds are ruled by our desires, we will die. But if our minds are ruled by the Spirit, we will have life and peace.”
Kristi, Inman, SC: “He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself(herself!)from calamity.” Proverbs 21:23
NIV
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”
Proverbs 16:3 NIV
Julie dk in Casper, WY
I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me for I have redeemed you.
Isaiah 44:22 NIV
Joan Fredericktown OH Duet 31:8 NIV
The Lord Himself goes before you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Jillian, Olathe, KS Proverbs 17:9 (The Message) “Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and—good-bye, friend!”
Debi, Alva, Florida
Beth, your challenge last week came at exactly the right time, when I was murmurring and complaining. So, I feel the need to keep this one close.
Phillipians 2: 14,15 KJV
14Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
15That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Kathleen
Bernardsville, NJ
Isaiah 43:1B ESV
Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
Marla, Columbus OH
Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Proverbs 31:9 (ESV)
Steph, Veazie, ME
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Heather McDaniel, Jesup, GA Everything in heaven and earth is yours, O Lord and this is your kingdom. We adore you as being in control of everything. Riches and honor come from you alone, and you are the Ruler of all mankind; your hand controls power and might and it is at your discretion that men are made great and given strength. 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 TLB.
Nikki, Minneapolis, “For there is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This, also, I saw is from the hand of God. For apart from Him, who can eat and who can find enjoyment?” Ecclesiastes 3:23-24, ESV
Carol, Hartley, Iowa
Psalm 121:5-8 HCSB
The Lord protects you; the Lord is a shelter right by your side.
The sun will not strike you by day or the moon by night.
The Lord will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life.
The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever.
Durant, OK
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like minded, having hte same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:1-4NIV
“They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and Kings of kings-and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” Rev. 17:14 NIV
Angie, Ormond Beach, FL
Colossians 1:11-12 (NIV)
Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.
(Memorizing Colossians in one year…getting there…)
Barbara, Warner Robins, GA
Psalms 6:2 NCV
Lord, have mercy on me because I am weak. Heal me, Lord, because my bones ache.
Kimberly, Ocoee FL, “Yet I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! I say, The Lord is my portion therefore I will put my hope in Him. The Lord is good to thoes who wait for Him, to the perosn who seeks Him.” Lamentations 3:21-25 HCSB
Cathy, Lincoln, NE
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8, NIV
For God did not give you a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.
1Timothy 1:7. NET
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:2-3 NIV
Elaine, New Orleans, Louisiana
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2 NIV
Pam Houston, Buena Park, CA
“Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it all.” Psalms 139:4 NASB
Jennifer
White, GA
“He reached down from on high 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. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me.”
Psalm 18:16-19 NIV
Stephanie, Oscar, LA
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Cor 4:8-9 NIV
Kiri, Doncaster, England
We always thank God for all of you, and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4
Cathy, Mason, OH
Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; things we cannot see.
Joan/Coppell: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8 NIV
Leigh-Anne
Bemus Point, NY
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing”
1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV
Katherine, St.Johns,Fl
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you;he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid;do not be discouraged .” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
Debbie
Walpole, MA
John 17:15 “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.”
Carol, Roswell GA: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36 (NIV)
Jennifer, Oklahoma City, OK
“Once our eyes are opened, we can’t pretend we don’t know what to do. God who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls knows that we know adn holds us responsible to act.”
Proverbs 24:12
You have ravished My heart,
My sister, my spouse;
You have ravished my heart
With one look of your eyes,
With on link of your necklace.
So. 4:9 NKJV
Leigh, Seneca Falls
Linda Lexington, KY
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. Philippians 4:19 (Message)
Thanks Beth!
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere, and a harvent of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:17,18 (ESV)
Dena’, Hindman, KY ” For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 NIV
Saskatchewan, Canada
He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God. NIV
Psalm 50:23