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.
Diane, Cary NC and Naperville IL
Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)
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,
Teri, Boise, Id Last verse of my James section.
But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it-he will be blessed in what he does.
James 1:25 NIV
Ashley DeLen, Alma Kansas
Proverbs 31:13 NIV
“She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.”
Jane – Irvine, CA
Now that we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us. We are pressured in every way, but not crushed, we are perplexed, but not in despair, we are persecuted, but not abandoned, we are struck down, but not destroyed.”
2 Corinthians 4:7-9 (Holman CSB)
Rachael, Chattanooga,TN
“With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.” Psalm 108:13
Stephanie, Amarillo, TX ~ for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)
“Know this, my beloved brothers (and siestas!), let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” – James 1:19-20
-Jordan, Dallas TX
Marissa, San Dimas
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
Becky, Plantersville, TX
“And the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy you with all good things, and keep you healthy too; you will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever flowing spring.” Isaiah 58:11 (The Living Bible)
Marie, Tallahassee, Florida.
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
Prov. 25:11 ESV
Short testimony: New to Siestaville, but memorizing so far has been water in a dry land! Washing with the Word!
Sherrylu, Powder Springs, GA
It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him. If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. 2 Tim. 2:11 NASB
Staying the course and keeping the faith!!
Karessa, Peoria, IL: So any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin. James 4:17 AMP
Love this one…I am teaching my two sons this verse right now! Thanks!
Mary from Columbia, PA
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.
The Message Philippians 4:19
Diane, Hemet, CA
Psalm 27:4 NIV
One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
Michele, Minneapolis, MN
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine.”
Isaiah 43:1 NIV
Cindy, Madrid, Spain:
Finally, brothers and sisters, 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, 2010)
RaeLeen, Greenwood, ” And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)
Hope, Costa Rica,
But I trust in your unfailing love: my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me. Ps. 13:5&6
Hayley, Seymour, TX
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
Norma, Covington TN
“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-29 NKJV
Romans 15:4 NIV
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scripture we might have hope.
Kay, Sheridan
And my God will supply your every need according to His
glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Phillipians 4:19 NET
Elizabeth, Dallas/Fort Worth
I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4
Molly-Macon,GA
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name: You are MINE. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”
Isaiah 43:1b-3a NKJV
Janet, Lenoir, NC. “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.” 2 Corinthians 3:5 NIV
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Exodus 14:14 NIV
:: holly :: layton :: “i told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that i am the one i claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins.” :: john 8:24 niv ::
“Show me your ways 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.” Psalm 25:4-6, NIV
Christina, Longmont CO
Dee Dee, San Antonio. “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, The Message.
Ruth C–Atlanta
He redeems my life from the pit and crowns me with love and compassion.
Psalm 103:4 NIV
Kathy, Atlanta, GA:
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption of sons, by whom we cry “Abba! Father!”
Romans 8:15 ESV
Jaclyn, Houston. “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 NIV
Peggy, Sinaloa, Mexico
already memorized Isaiah 61: 1-2 now adding the BEST part Isaiah 61:3(NIV)
“and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of joy instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.”
Catherine, Montgomery: “Teach me your way,O LORD, and I wil walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” Psalm 86:11 NIV
Belinda, Houston
We love because he first loved us.
I John 4:19 (NIV)
Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts. Jeremiah 15:16(ESV)
Mindy, New Providence, Pa
for you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:13-14a NIV
“I am able to do immeasurably more than all you ask or imagine” Luke 1:37
Cassidy, Bakersfield CA
Lorie, Rochester, MN Psalms 118:24 KJV “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Memorizing scripture is the most awesome thing I have EVER done. I am high on the MOST HIGH! God be praised for the word!
Debra, Sulphur Springs, Texas: Debra says: ” Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NKJV
Jane
Effingham, IL
Valerie
Sparks, Nevada
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NLT
Pam, Tyler, TX: “For although we are walking in the flesh, we do not wage war in a fleshly way, since the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” II Cor. 10:3-5 (HCSB)
Dawn, Clever, MO ~~ “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NIV)
To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue.
Proverbs 16:1
NIV
Jennie
Los Angeles
Brenda Dowdy
Bainbridge, Ga.
Eph. 5:15-17
NIV
Be very careful, then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, (16) making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.(17)Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the LORD’S will is.
Tara, Powder Springs, GA
“Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground,for it is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and(C) rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12, ESV
Wendi from Sulphur, LA
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Philipians 4:19 NIV
Stacy Detroit, Michigan
Romans 8:18
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
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