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.
Melanie – Lebanon, Ks
…understand this: everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. James 1:19-20 (Holmans CSB)
Hattiesburg, MS
I will sing to the Lord because He is good to me.
Psalm 13:6 NLT
Heather, Hot Springs, AR,Psalm 25:2, Amplified,
“O my God, I trust, lean on, rely on, and am confident in You. Let me not be put to shame or my hope in You be disappointed; let not my enemies triumph over me.”
I also am still asking for prayer. This verse is my lifeline right now. Court situation- date put off, and although it appears that the enemy is triumphing, I am clinging to God for His final answer. Thank you for any prayers- they are a sweet fragrance.
Regan, Conroe. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10, ESV.
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
Romans 1:20 (NIV)
Kathy – Seymour, IN
Jennifer: Almont, Michigan
“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 I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by name. Isaiah 45:2-3 NIV
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 NIV
Amanda, Mountain View
Do everything without complaining or arguing.
Philippians 2:14 (NIV)
Laura, Bossier City:
“May the God of hope fill you with all the joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with the hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ”
Romans 15:13 NIV
Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.
Proverbs 16:20
Deanna, Tavernier, FL
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philipians 4:19 NIV
Sherrie
Spokane
Psalm 62:8 NKJV
Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us.
Vicki, Colleyville, TX “Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.” Psalm 40:5, NIV
Sheila, Austin, TX
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1 NIV
Rebecca, Houston, TX:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy,
to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is
your spiritual act of worship.”
Romans 12:1 (NIV)
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28, NIV
Melissa, Atlanta
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
Heidi, Anchorage, AK
“If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.”
James 1:26 (NIV)
“Whoever would love life and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.” 1 Pet. 3:10 (NIV)
Rachael, South Riding, VA
“you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”
1 Corinthians 6:20 NIV
Bonnie–Huntington, WV
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Carol, Florence, MA:
Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished. Luke 1:45 NIV
Kendall: Huntsville, AL
Even when you are old, I will be the same. Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you. I made you and will take care of you. I will carry you and save you.
Isaiah 46:4 NCV
Charissa – West Chester, OH
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 NIV
Rhonda, Houston Proverbs 30:8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (NASB)
-Philippians 1:6
Judy from Louisville, KY
Psalm 119:99 (Amplified Bible)
I have better understanding and deeper insight than all my teachers, because Your testimonies are my meditation.
Jennifer H, Sun City, AZ
“‘Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?'”
2 Samuel 7:18b NIV
(Loving “David”!)
Alycia. Dallas, TX. “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” – Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Kristen, Kansas City, KS
…having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might
Ephesians 1:18-19 ESV
Phillipians 4:19 NIV
And my God will meet all your needs according
to His riches in Christ Jesus.
Rebekah, Wheatland, CA: And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always praying for the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18 NIV
Becky – Tacoma,WA
Colossians 4:56 “Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” NIV
Michelle Sylvan Springs, AL
Psalms 90:14 ESV
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,
that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Kelley, Russellville “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1v7 KJV
Jodi Alley – Humble, TX “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19, NIV
Shannon Roberts, White Hall, AR
“The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their prayers. But the face of the Lord is against those who practice evil.” 1 Peter 3:12 (AMP)
Shelly, Wausa, Nebraska
I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 16:8 NIV
Sandi
Williams Bay, Wisconsin
Ephesians 3:20-21 NASB
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
Bailey. Knoxville, TN.
“O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in the time of distress.” Isaiah 33:2 NIV
Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (NIV)
Cathy, Brighton CO – Ps 121:7-8 The Lord will keep you from all harm. He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. (NIV, I believe).
Thanks for your post today, Beth. It hit me right between the eyes. Love you and what the Lord does through you!
Lauren, Seattle, WA
Isaiah 30:15 (NRSV)
“For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: in returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength. But you refused.”
Katie Enlow – Paducah, KY “And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Judy, Greenville MS: God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
More verses on GRACE in 2011
“My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me.
2 Corinthians 12: 9 (NLT)
Leah
Blairsville, GA
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his very own glory and goodness. 11Peter 1:3
Angel, Franklin, TN- The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me. Because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor;He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted. To proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind. To set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. Luke 4:18-19 NKJV
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. NIV