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.
Rhonda
Hanford, CA
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
Sarah, Marshfield, MO “Those who cling to worthless idols forsake faithful love, but as for me I will sacrifice to You with a voice of thanksgiving” Jonah 2:8,9a HCS
Loretta from Bloomfield, NJ~
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, and with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore, encourage each other with these words.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Renee, Roanoke, VA “Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV)
Adele-Alys from Matthews, NC : From there I will give back her vineyards to her, and turn the “Valley of Trouble” into an “Opportunity for Hope.” There she will sing as she did when she was young, when she came up from the land of Egypt. Hosea 2:15 NET Bible
Cindy, Prairieville, But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
North Stonington, CT
So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, we must work for the good of all, especially for those in the household of faith.
Galations 6:9-10, HCSB
Dawn, Hamilton, NJ
I’m breaking the rules and have two, since the first one is so easy:
Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. Ps. 86:11 NKJ
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:13 NIV
Psalm 119:14 (NIV)
I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.
Wendy
Clovis, Ca
A new command I give you; Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:34-35
Hannah, Perry, MI
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Alli, College Station, Phi Lamb
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, Because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts, through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. You see, at just the right time, while we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteouss person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Kem, Memphis
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:12&13 NIV)
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
Nel Fastenau, Willard MO, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved.” Romans 10:13 KJV
Briana – Valencia, CA “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ-to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV)
Lela, Livonia MI
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4 ESV
Joyce from Rule, Texas: “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” KJV, Deuteronomy 6:5
Amy, Columbus, OH.: May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 NIV
Diana, Surrey BC
“And He passed in front of Moses, proclaiming ‘The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious GOD, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulnesss, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin.”
Exodus 34:6&7 N.I.V.
Jacque, College Station
Donise, Longmont, CO And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV. My daughter, Sarah, He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths bringing Him honor to His name. Psalm 23:3 NLT.
Stacy, Birmingham, AL. “Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yes we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted.” -Isaiah 53:4 (NASB)
Jenna from Los Angeles, CA
Ephesians 4:15 NIV
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.
Cori, Burlington, WA
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us-whatever we ask-we know that we have what we ask of him.
1 John 5:14-15 NIV
Brittany ~ Oklahoma City
“For the Scriptures say, ‘If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies’.”
1 Peter 3:10 (NLT)
DD, Searcy AR… “In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation.” Ps 5:3 (NIV)
Kristen, Fort Worth, “You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.” Psalm 119:4
Lindsay ~ Bangor
“Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”
Colossians 4:6 (NLT)
Jacque, College Station
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13:34 NASB
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things ye have: for He hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.
So that we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Hebrews 13:5-6 KJV
Becky, Warren, RI
Lyndsey, Knoxville- “Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?” Galatians 4:16 NIV
Please help pray for small group members who neglect/reject the Truth. Ministry can be messy and this week is one of those weeks.
Suzanne, Summerfield, Fl. He has shown you O man , what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God , NKJV
Deb, Lexington, TX
2 Cor. 10:3-5, NIV
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 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.”
Psalm 18:1 (NIV) “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer, my God is my rock in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
Ellen M., Camden DE
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing,and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 NIV
Patti, Colorado Springs: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Cor 5:17(NIV)
Martha, Pine Bluff
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32NIV
Cindy from Clarksville,Tn
And I pray this in order that I may live a life worthy of the Lord and may 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 I may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father who has glorified me to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. Colossians 1:10-12 NIV
Christina – Edgewood, Kentucky
Psalm 32:7 (NIV) You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Rosalye, Vicksburg, MS
But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.
Luke 21:14-15
NIV
Beth, Fountain Inn, The LORD has done great things fo rus, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:3 NIV
Susan, Callaway: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is ture, 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)
He [Abraham] staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving to God; and being fully persuaded that what He had promised, he was able to perform. Romans 4:20-21 (NKJ)
Jess, Saint Cloud, FL
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself according to the kind intention of His will to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
Ephesians 1:3-6 NASB
AMEN!
Kari, Gatesville – And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2 NIV
IPeter 4:19 NKJV
Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
Sheena, Columbus Grove, OH
“Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” James 1:20
Julie,Texarkana-” 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.” Phil. 4:19 The Message
Erin~Albertville, AL
“But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness.” 2 Timothy 2:16 ESV
Sarah Moreno Valley, Ca
So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you, He will neither fail you nor abandon you.
Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT