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.
Kathie SC
For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13 NIV
Robin, Landing, NJ
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:32 KJV
SusanD, Southern Illinois, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NKJV
kendal, north wilkesboro, NC: For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than a double-edged sword, it penetrates even to divide soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
Mary Lou, Young America, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word sitrs up anger.” Prov. 15:1, NIV
“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.” (NIV)
Kim and Abby, MO
Never stop praying.
I Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT)
Jen, Auburn Township, Ohio: Romans 8:6– “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.” NIV. So true.
Julie
Wadsworth, OH:
“When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she says it kindly.”
Proverbs 31:26 (The Message)
Rachel
Fullerton, CA
Malachi 3:16 (ESV)
Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name.
Diane, Commerce Twp. MI
Galatians 5:2-23 NIV
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness gentleness, self control; against such things there is no law.
Marybeth from Norcross: If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. – Galations 3:29 NIV
Heather, Shokan, NY
Psalm 34:4 NKJV
“I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Tricia Union, KY
“Each one should use whatever gifts he has recieved
to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace
in various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 NIV
Amy, Marion, Virginia “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” Matthew 10:28 NIV
elaine – brea,ca
I Samuel 12:24, NCV
You must honor the Lord and truly serve him with all your heart. Remember the wonderful things he did for you!
Amber
Shrewsbury, UK
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20 NLT
Susan, Maple Grove, MN
“Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No’.
Anything more is from the evil one.”
Matthew 5:37 (NAB)
Brigid – Johannesburg (SA)
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)
Vicki, Paducah, ky, For of him and through him and to him are all things, to whom be glory forever, AMEN! Rom 11:36 NKJV
Leanna, Lafayette, IN: “Lord, teach me how you want me to live. Then I will follow your truth. Give me a heart that doesn’t want anything more than to worship you.” Psalm 86:11, NIrV
Zephaniah 3:17: “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.” (NIV)
Lyn Steriti
Littleton NH
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary and to him who lacks might, He increases power.
Is. 40:28-29 NASB
Chrystie C.
Piedmont, SC
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV
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. Lamentations 3: 22-23
Tracy L.
Richlands, NC
Julie, Port Huron, Michigan
Psalms 51:12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. NKJV
Judy Littleton, NC
Let the word of God dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16 KJV
PS Beth,the Japanese have never wanted to be impolite enough to say no to anyone so they just smile and say,
“Yes, we no can do it.”
Cheryl, Coffeyville, KS
“The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.”
Is. 12:2b NIV
Freida, Chatham, LA, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 NKJV
Courtesy of Amanda’s Tweet yesterday!!
Stacie-Livonia, MI Psalm 33:20-22 We’re depending on God;
he’s everything we need. What’s more, our hearts brim with joy since we’ve taken for our own his holy name. Love us, God, with all you’ve got—that’s what we’re depending on. (The Message)
natalie, millington: “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You! Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal ROCK!” Isaiah 26:3 & 4 (NLT)
Lindy, Scott
Psalm 118:8 (KJV) – It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.
Karen, Leonard, Tx
I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end
he will stand upon the earth.
Job 19:25 NIV
Alison, Haubstadt, Indiana
“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, Euharlee, Ga. Therefore, I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Tim. 1:6-7 NKJV
Sandy, Lexington, KY
Blessed is the man who perserveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who lovechim.
James 1:12 (NIV)
Psalm 40:8, I desire to do your will, O my god; Your law is within my heart. (NIV)
Talmage,NIV
Psalm 91:1
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighy.
Donna, Sarnia, Ontario
My salvation and my honour depend on God;
He is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in Him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to Him,
for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:7-8
Rebekah from Marion, IN – I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. – Psalm 27:13, 14 – NIV
Blenna from Radford, VA
All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. (but Jesus)
1Corinthians 6:12
Annette, Minneapolis “If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.” I Peter 4:11 NIV
Donna, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI: “O Sovereign Lord, you have only begun to show your greatness and the strength of your hand to me, your servant. Is there any god in heaven or on earth who can perform such great and mighty deeds as you do?” (Deuteronomy 3:24 NLT) Whew!! Just typed that from memory. Yay!!!!
Hey Donna from GPS…you memorizing scripture too!!
Christi
Cameron, NC
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. I Corinthians 10:31 NIV
Tina, Roanoke, AL
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2 NIV
Beverly, Des Moines
When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s armies. Jeremiah 15:16 NLT
Julia – Crystal Springs. Isaiah 41:10 NLT.
“Dont be afraid, for I am with you. Dont be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Lauren-Plano, TX
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Elaine, Powder Springs – Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17 (HCSB)
Kate, Hillsboro, OR
Wives, understand and support your husbands in ways that show your support for Christ. Ephesians 5:22 The Message