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.
Lindsey, Springfield
1 John 2:17 NIV
“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
Ginger, South Point, OH
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. Philippians 2:13 NLT
Leigh Anne, Sylacauga, AL
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Ps 62:1-2 NIV
Tina, Cincinnati. Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. NIV
Marlene, Harleysville, Pa – But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. II Corinthians 2:14 NIV
Cathy, Mtn. Grove, MO “A wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel.” Prov. 1:5
Karin, Johannesburg
The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.
Proverbs 17:27, NIV
Rhonda Curran, Tampa FL
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has known what God has prepared for those who love him.”
1 Cor 2:9 NIV
Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
The Message
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
—John 14:1
Eva,Knoxville- For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)
Psalm 18:19…NKJV
He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me.
Dori, Meridian, ID
Romans 12:1 NLT
I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. LEt them be a living and holy sacrifice – the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him.
Joanie
Kearney, NE
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10 (Holman Christian Study Bible)
Jennifer, Fairfax VA
“Is not my word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?
Jeremiah 23:29 (NIV)
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy pf praise, let your mind dwell on these things.
Philippians 4:8
New American Standard
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.
Psalm 62:8
Sarah
St. Paul, MN
Kristen, Austin, TX
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified: do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Kristie, White Lake: “And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
2 Corinthians 1:21-22
“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”
Gina;Houston
*Beth, I don’t know if you will get to read this…I do hope someone tells you because I wanted to encourage you by saying that the Lord God sees you. He often lets me know when you are struggling so I can intercede for you. Through the years, part of my ministry has been…having a sensitive heart towards those who are in the “spotlight.” Even celebrities…the Lord God loves so much deeper than we give Him credit. Be encouraged! Even though is feels like it…He will NEVER put more on you than you can handle. Again, He SEES you!
Kari, Three Rivers, Michiga
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in honor at God’s right hand.
Col. 3:1 msg
Joy – Salina, KS
The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.
Proverbs 21:1 NIV
Evie
Cedar Creek TX
Romans 15:13 NOV
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Linda, Laurel
Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall
strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Psalm 27:14 NKJV
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
Lorraine Banks, Tyler, Texas
“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” Psalm 118:8 KJV
“If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.”
Galatians 6:3 (NIV)
Houston, TX
Crystal, Columbia “Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.” Hebrews 11:11 KJV
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
Kate, Grapeland, Texas (NAS)
Elaine, College Station, Texas (ESV)
Donna, Lufkin, Texas (NIV)
Laura, College Station, Texas (NIV)
Carolyn, Maryville, Phil 4:19, The Net bible
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Erin, Arab, AL.
For with God nothing is impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.
Luke 1:37 Amplified
Nancy, Overland Park, Kansas–
Psalm 31:14-15 NLT
I am trusting you, O Lord, saying “you are my GOD.” My future is in your hands.
Heidi, Boonville IN, Colossians 3:17 MSG~~Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
“Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task” 1 Timothy 3:1 NIV
Debbie R, Atlanta, TX
1 John 4:8 NKJV
He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
Gretchen,Madison;
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appreared to all men.” Titus 2:11; NIV
Hanni, Warsaw IN
For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature,God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man,in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. – Romans 8:3-4 (NIV)
Michelle, Little Rock, AR
“I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people.” Lev 26:12, NIV
Christelle, Delafield, WI
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.”
Prov 31:8 NIV
Cara ~ Spring, Texas
2 Timothy 2:16
Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
Kathy, Cumberland, RI – Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 NIV
Ashley, Chesapeake. “…to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:19 (NKJV)
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.
Proverbs 18:10, NIV
Nina B, Urbana
Carrie- St. Cloud, Fl
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.- Joshua 1:9 ESV
Hattiesburg, MS
So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you. 1 Peter 4:19 NLT
Karla, Sheboygan.
“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)
Wendy, Newmarket ON – I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit, for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5, NKJV
Janet, Richland, Ms
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.
Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
Ashley, Conroe. 1 John 1:8-10 NIV
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.