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.
Karen Orem, Utah
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.6 Seek his will in all you do,and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6(NLT)
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 the NET Bible
Faith, Safford,AZ> “Just because something is technically legal doesn’t mean that it’s spiritually appropriate. If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I’d be a slave to my whims.” 1 corinth. 6:12 The Message version
Judy – Cottageville WV
This is the day the Lord hath made we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 KJV
Sylvia V., Jersey Village, TX
James 2:13 For judgment is merciless for the one who has shown no mercy. But mercy triumps over judgment.
(The NET Bible)
Dustalyn, Murdock, NE, “since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” Colossians 3:24 (NIV)
Becky, Richmond KY
II. Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
“FOR GOD HAS NOT GIVEN US [ME] A SPIRIT OF FEAR, BUT OF POWER AND OF LOVE AND OF A SOUND MIND.”
Robyn, San Antonio: “Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21
Amy, Houston
“But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth].
For if anyone only listens to the Word without obeying it and being a doer of it, he is like a man who looks carefully at his [own] natural face in a mirror;
For he thoughtfully observes himself, and then goes off and promptly forgets what he was like.
But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the [law] of liberty, and is faithful to it and perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he shall be blessed in his doing (his life of obedience).
James 1: 22-25 (Amplified)
Melissa, Smithville MO
“A wise woman strengthens her family, but a foolish woman destroys hers by what she does.”
Proverbs 14:1 (NCV)
Stacey Morocco,In
1 Chronicles 16:28-29 (The Message)
28-29 Shout Bravo! to God, families of the peoples,
in awe of the Glory, in awe of the Strength: Bravo!
Shout Bravo! to his famous Name,
lift high an offering and enter his presence!
Stand resplendent in his robes of holiness!
~Grace & Peace, San Diego, CA
“Commit your way to the LORD; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37:5 (NKJV)
Cassandra – Raleigh, NC
Psalm 118:24 This is the day the Lord hath made we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Renee, Calgary, Canada
“Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”
Rom 4:20-21
Jeanne, Saanta Rosa, CA: Exodus 33:13 (NIV)
If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.
Nicole, Portland, OR: The LORD Almighty has sworn, “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand.” – Isaiah 14:24 (NIV)
Pat, Littlefield, Tx…..”I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.” Isaiah 45:3 NIV
Susan, Cumberland,
“And walk in love as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Ephesians 5:2 (KJV)
Krista, Birmingham
“Little children, let us stop just saying we love people; let us really love them, and show it by our actions.”
1 John 3:18
Salmo 23:1-3 (NVI)
“El SENOR es mi pastor, NADA ME FALTA; en verdes pastos me hace descansar. Junto a tranquilas aguas me conduce; me infunde nuevas fuerzas. Me guia por sendas de justicia por amor a su nombre.”
Melissa, Fresno
Karen, Baldwin City, KS. “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
Thank you Beth. I really needed this wisdom.
Erika-Gadsden, Al
1: Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT
“Dont’ you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price so you must honor God with your body.”
Madison, Ohio
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:12
Jeni Majors, Prescott, AZ.
“In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:11-12 (ESV)
May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalms 19:14 NLT
Susan from Chesapeake, VA:
“‘You are my witnesses,’ declares the Lord, ‘and my servant whom I have chosen so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.'”
-Isaiah 43:10 (NIV)
Rebecca, Louisa, VA: There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. – Psalm 19:3-4 (NIV)
Brenda Petty
Conover, NC 28613
Phil. 4:13 KJV
I can do all things through Christ which strengteneth me.
For in Christ, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Galations 5:6 (NIV)
Joyce, Exeter,
“And walk in love as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Ephesians 5:2 (KJV)
Tanya, Valley Center, KS
“Therefore, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit.”
~Romans 8:1, Amplified
“For if you live according to [the dictates of] the flesh, you will surely die. But if through the power of the [Holy] Spirit you are [habitually] putting to death (making extinct, deadening) the [evil] deeds prompted by the body, you shall [really and genuinely] live forever.” ~Romans 8:13, Amplified
Annabel, Valley Center, KS
“Here is my command. Love each other, just as I have loved you.”
~John 15:12 NIrV
Leigh, McDonough, GA — David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.” 1 Chronicles 28:20
Joyce, Greenville SC
Ephesians 1:7 (NIV) In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.
Stephanie; Ogden, Utah; “Therefore, do not throw away your confidence which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.” Hebrews 10:35-36 (NASB)
Amber H., Rockwell, NC
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NIV
Christy, Fayetteville, AR
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord your will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
Colossians 3:23-24 NKJV
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.” NIV ….because I only want to be consumed by The Lord not my problems!
Ephesians 6:10
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might”. ESV
Sue – Troy, Michigan
“And my God will meet all your needs
according to his glorious riches in Christ
Jesus.”
Phil. 4:19
Vicki from Waco: John 14:27 NIV “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Romona, East Alton
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; The chastisement (needful to obtain) peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes (that wounded Him) we are healed and made whole. (Amp)
Kelly, Charlotte, NC:
Hebrews 12:11-13 (NLT)
No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees.Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.
Linda, Dallas TX
But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT
Emily, Monroe
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34 NIV
Tanya, Somerville, TN
Psalm 51:10-13
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your Presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. Then, I will teach transgressors your ways so that sinners will turn back to you. NIV
Lisa, Plano, TX: From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. John 1:16 (NIV)
Tinley Park, IL
“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14 NIV
Sarah, Colorado Springs
For the Lord is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
Psalm 95:3-5 (NIV)
I am going to learn this verse this time and next since it is long.
Cacy~Evans, GA
And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
The NET Bible
Lyn
Ark City
Isaiah 40:31 NIV
“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.”
Kelli. Dayton, Oh
“Dear children, let us not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”
I John 3:18 (NLT)