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.
Dana
Flower Mound, TX
Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)
Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.
Sarasota NIV
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.
Phi 4:8
Mary Beth, Atlanta, Texas – “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 NIV
Rene, Overland Park, KS
“Evildoers will be cut off (from their inheritence), but those who wait with hope for the Lord will inherit the land.” Psalm 37:9 God’s Word Translation
Stephanie, Wise “Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this”. John 13:7 NKJV
Nakeisha, Houston, TX
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 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 favour.
Ephesians 5:1-2 (KJV)
Sharon, Riverside,Ca.
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.
Psalm 27:4 NIV
Beth from Platte, SD: I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15: 5 NIV
PJ, Atlanta
Isaiah 40:8 (NIV)
The grass withers and the flowers fall,
But the word of our God stands forever.
Shandra – Dallas, TX
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 transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:6,7 NIV
Karen, Fishers
Trust in Him at all time, you people;
pour out your hearts to Him,
for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8 NIV
Suzanne, Charlotte NC
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Cor 10:5 (NIV)
Kelli, Colorado
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Psalm 51:10-12 KJV
Here’s to a clean heart and a renewed spirit.
Lindsay from Grapevine, Tx: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 (NIV)
“…and (that is) into an inheritance of lasting beauty, pure (undefiled), and unfading (perennial), kept (tereo) in Heaven for you,…”
1 Peter 1:4 (loosely taken from the NETBible)
Arin
Wichita KS
Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Elissa from CT …
“Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have.
For God has said,
‘I will never fail you.
I will never forsake you.’
That is why we can say with confidence,
‘The Lord is my helper,
so I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?’ ” ~ Hebrews 13:5-6 NLT♥
Rachel, Orlando. “And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Jonna, Denton, TX
“But he said to me, “My grace is suffcient for you, for my
power is made perfect in weakness… For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:9-11,
Amy – Gallipolis – Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” – March 10:27 NIV
Gayla, Johns Creek, GA
“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 transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6,7 NIV
Stacie, Cedar Rapids IA
Deuteronomy 13:4
It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. NIV
cindy sacramento But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. james 3:17 NKJV
Linda Springfield, MO I am the Good Shepherd and know my own sheep, and they know me. John 10:14 Living Bible
Karen, Russellville, AR
Keep this book of the Law always on your lips; 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 1:8 (NIV 2010)
Jana, Brenham, TX
Colossians 1:9-14
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 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. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
Doing the ATR study and wanting to pray scripture over my two girls!
Sylvia, Georgetown TX
still working on Feb 1 verses
Ps 18:30-33 NIV
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.
Krystle, Medford
“From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelemed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:2 NKJ
Had my twin boys last Thursday and had to leave them in the NICU…hanging on to this verse with my life.
keep the faith!
Kay ~ Diana, TX. “Lord, every morning you hear my voice. Every morning, I tell you what I need, and I wait for your answer.” Psalm 5:3 (NCV)
Suzanne, Chicago
“For I know the plans I have for you, ” delares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Verse for 2/1 (I was away for 2 weeks)
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1 NIV
Kim in Billings, MT: Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Cor 13:6-8 NIV
Cami, Ellensburg, WA Jesus looked her in eye. “Didn’t I tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” John 11:40 The Message
Psalm 9:9-10 NASB
The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble,and those who know Thy name will put their trust in Thee; For thou O Lord, has not forsaken those who seek Thee.
Kim
Hanover, MN
Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel? Ezekiel 18:31 NIV
Lyli, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Proverbs 31:27 (NIV):
“She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”
Stephanie, Sparta, TN
“Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”
Psalm 55:22, NKJV
Make me to know Your ways, O LORD;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for You are the God of my salvation;
for You I wait all the day long.
(Psalm 25:4-5 ESV)
Amy, Moncks Corner, SC.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:7-8, ESV
Kim, Loveland
May the master take you by the hand and lead you along the path of God’s love and Christ’s endurance.
2 Thessalonians 3:5 the message
Melissa, Scarborough, ME: “Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.” Hebrews 13:5 GNT
Kendell, Omaha: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19, NIV
Ellen from Bad Axe
in Michigan’s Thumb
I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. 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 45:2,3 (NIV)
Amy – Custer, South Dakota
“I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Psalm 119: 10-11 NIV
Kylie Fishers, IN
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 NIV
Erin, Bothell, WA
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power.
Ephesians 6:10
Amber, Kent
and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ~Ephesians 6:15
Jessica, Houston
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 NIV
Becky, Brunswick,GA
1 Peter 4:11 (NKJV)
If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Trudy, Alberta, Canada
Isaiah 43:1-2 (KJV)
But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.