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.
Heidi, Litchfield Park, AZ, Isaiah 26:3 NIV
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”
Hope, Loxley AL 2 Peter 1:5-8
5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Holly
Geita, Tanzania
Melissa Calgary, Alberta:
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34 (NIV)
Marie, Harrison
I am trusting you, O Lord, saying “you are my God.” My future is in your hands.
Psalm 31:14-15a NLT
Karen, Dallas, TX:
He is before all things,
and in him all things hold together.
And he is the head of the body, the church;
he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead,
so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,
and through him to reconcile to himself all things,
whether things on earth or things in heaven,
by making peace through his blood,
shed on the cross.
Colossians 1:17-20 (NIV)
Erin~Albertville, AL
“But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness” 2 Timothy 2:16 ESV
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you Psalms 63:3 NIV
Kellie, Mobile, AL
The enemy shall not outwit him; the wicked shall not humble him. My faithfulness and my steadfast love shall be with him, and in my name shall his horn be exalted. Psalm 89: 22,24 ESV
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
James 3:17 (NIV)
Amber, Florence, Ky.
Jill, Fort Ashby, WV:
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 MSG
Jennifer, Cape Coral, FL
“Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength.”
Habakkuk 3:18-19a, NIV
Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
Luke 6:37
Sam v.
Woodstock, VT
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
James 3:17 (NIV)
Amber, Florence, Ky.
Tara, Colorado Springs:
Listen, God! Please, pay attention! Can you make sense of these ramblings, my groans and cries? King-God, I need your help.
Every morning
you’ll hear me at it again.
Every morning
I lay out the pieces of my life
on your altar
and watch for fire to descend.
Ps. 5:1-3 (The Message)
Reba, Chattanooga “For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. 2 Chronicles 16:9 NASB
Laura, Green Cove Springs, FL
Jeremiah 31:9 (partial) NIV:
They will come with weeping;
they will pray as I bring them back.
I will lead them beside streams of water
on a level path where they will not stumble
Sarah, New Palestine, Indiana
2 Thessalonians 3:5
May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. (NIV)
Sandra, Naperville, IL
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18
Paula Kauai 2nd Samuel 22:31 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”
Today I claim this scripture as I have been served and summoned to court. My daughter has filed a restraining order against me falsely. She is involved in all kinds of sinful things. Please pray for me today, and I THANK MY GOD for his shield and all my sista’s here. Sorry this is a longer post than we should be posting, but I am desparate for prayers today
We, too, have a court situation. I know the desperateness and pain this causes- I lift you up in prayer. May God go before you.
Thank you Heather for your prayers. Praise the Lord, for his faithfulness. The judge threw the retraining order out. The Lord shielded me from a wrongful judgement. Hallelujah!!! I am praying that my daughter will return her heart to Jesus,be humble and admit that she has a problem, that only Jesus can heal. I will be praying for you sister Heather as well. God knows your particulars, and he is FAITHFUL Hallelujah!!!
Perfect and flawless is the Lord. He is my shield. THank you Jesus
Erin D, Dover, NH – “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 the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” Philippians 2:1-2 NIV
Lynn- Wetumpka AL
Song of Solomon 4:7 NASB
You are altogether beautiful, my darling, and there in no blemish in you.
April
Oviedo
Jeremiah 6:16 NIV
This is what the Lord says:
Stand at the crossroads and look,
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is and walk in it
and you will find rest for your souls.
and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of His mighty strength.
Eph 1:19
NIV
Betty, Brown City, MI Isaiah 45:2,3 “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 CALLS YOU BY NAME.”
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
Casi
Woodway, Texas
Kristi, Mobile, AL
For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double edged sword even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 NIV
Audra, Florence, SC Behold – “Behold,I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 KJV
Tanya, Clarkfield
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:12-13 (NIV)
Jen, Cincinnati–“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Jamie, Delhi, NY:
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
Brittany, Wellington, FL
I will return her vineyards to her and transform the Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope. She will give herself to me there, as she did long ago when she was young, when I freed her from her captivity in Egypt. Hosea 2:15 NLT
Dawn, Aiken, Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Col.3:15 NIV
Rene Claremore OK “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and try me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.” (NKJV)
Stephanie, Newport Beach, CA
and from this fulness we have all received, grace upon grace.
John 1:16 ESV
Cindy, Lexington, KY – Habakkuk 3:17-18 NASV – Though the fig tree should not blossom, And there be no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive should fail, And the fields produce no food, Though the flock be cut off from the fold, And there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet, I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the GOD of my salvation.
Carol, Santa Maria, CA, 2 Corinthains 4:9, “…persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
Tammy,Snohomish, “In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth.” Genesis 1:1, Holman Christian Standard Bible
1 Peter 2:25
For you were continually straying sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepard and Guardian of your souls.
Heather, Spokane, WA
“It is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.” NIV
Heather, Spokane WA
“It is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.”
1 Peter 2:15 NIV
Shelley, Marietta, MS
Proverbs 3: 3-4, 7
“Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man….Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” KJV
Hebrews 12:1-3 NCV (this is my verse for the whole month of February)
“1 We are surrounded by a great cloud of people whose lives tell us what faith means. So let us run the race that is before us and never give up. We should remove from our lives anything that would get in the way and the sin that so easily holds us back. 2 Let us look only to Jesus, the One who began our faith and who makes it perfect. He suffered death on the cross. But he accepted the shame as if it were nothing because of the joy that God put before him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne. 3 Think about Jesus’ example. He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him. So do not get tired and stop trying.”
Rachelle, NewMexico:
3″For the vision is yet for the appointed time;
It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail
Though it tarries, wait for it;
For it will certainly come, it will not delay.
Habakkuk 2:3
Laura, Littleton CO
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, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever, Amen! Ephesians 3:20-21
(Go Priscilla in Orlando’s Deeper Still conference – Faithful, Abundant and True!!)
Hebrews; 13:5 NIV
Never will I leave you;
Never will I forsake you.
Donna
Clarksville, TN
“God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control.”
2 Timothy 1:7
NCV
“But the wisdon from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accomodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical.” James 3:17 NET
“Colosians 3:12
Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy & dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” NIV
Amy
Norfolk, MA
Psalm 40:11 “Do not withhold your tender mercies from me, O Lord; Let your lovingkindness and your truth continually preserve me.” NKJ Version
Abbie – Franklin, TN
Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly. Such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.
Psalm 112:5-7 (NLT)