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.
Alissa from Spring, TX
For you are a chosen [woman], you are a royal priest, a holy [daughter]. God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 (NLT)
Beth from Buford, GA
Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to seperate us from the love of God that is Christ Jesus our Lord.
Anne Marie, Woburn, MA. “Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.” Psalm 25:4-5 NLT
Beth, Prescott, AZ
Ephesians 3:20
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.”
Tanya, Englewood, OH
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.”
Psalm 62:5-6 (NIV)
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:7 (ESV)
Beth, Houston
The version for 11Peter 1:3 is the NIV
Karina, Victoria/Vancouver, BC CANADA!
“I pray that from His glorious unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.” – Ephesians 3:16-17 (NLT)
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Ps. 51:10 NIV
Cheryl
Leesburg, IN
Sarah, Dallas
Jeremiah 29:11-14, The Message:
“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. “When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. “When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. “Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” God’s Decree.
AND THANK YOU, SIESTA MAMA for your words about being overwhelmed. You have NO IDEA how much I needed that today. The Lord bless you!!!
Blessed is he (or she) who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. Revelations 1:3 NKJ
Rachel, Danville, Pa “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” Col 3:23-24 NLT
Be joyful always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 thes. 5:16-18 (NIV)
Jean, Gloucester, VA.
Suzanne, Birmingham: “The Lord our 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
love this verse – how cool to think that “He will quiet me with His love” – oh, how often I need that
Ola Mae Bulkley, Cedar Park TX, Psalm 23 King James version
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
LeAnne, Albertville, “Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people and the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems right to Him.” 2 Samuel 10:12 ESV
Sharon, Griffin, Georgia
Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? List carefully to Me and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance.
Isaiah 55:2 NASB
Job 11:13-17 (The Message)
Still, if you set your heart on God and reach out to him, If you scrub your hands of sin and refuse to entertain evil in your home,
You’ll be able to face the world unashamed and keep a firm grip on life, guiltless and fearless.You’ll forget your troubles; they’ll be like old, faded photographs.Your world will be washed in sunshine, every shadow dispersed by dayspring.
Catherine, Ladson, SC
Matthew 19:26 AMP
But Jesus looked at them and said, With men this is impossible, BUT ALL things are possible with GOD.
Sabrina, 28 Bowling Green, KY:
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 ESV
Molly (Siesta OC)
So Cal.
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. ~Phillipians 2:3-4
adding The Message ending too…
Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand
OUCH AND AMEN!
The first translation is NLT
For You have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling that I may walk before God in the light of life (land of the living).
NIV Ps.56:13
“Pretty words may hide a wicked heart, just as a pretty glaze covers a common clay pot”…Proverbs 26:23
the Living Bible, Catholic Edition
Becky
Brentwood, TN
Be still, and know that I am God…
KJV
Lisa, West Des Moines, IA “Praise the Lord, I tell myself, and never forget the good things he does for me.” Psalm 103:2 (NLT)
Melissa, Spokane –
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.” -1 Thessalonians 5:22-23
Maureen, Oxford,
Philippians 4:19
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Wendy, Elm City; Isa 41:13 (NIV)
For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right and hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
James 3:17-18 (NIV)
“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. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
Kathleen
Bellmore, LI, NY
Debbie, Fort Thomas, Kentucky
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7
Nancy – Ocala, Florida – 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)
Christy M., Athens, AL: Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Ephesians 4:31 NLT
Amy, Hood River, Oregon, Psa 40:10 (KJV) I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.
Beth, you look so pretty! I think you are getting younger and more radiant with each passing year. Your hubby missed out last night, but glad we got to enjoy your beauty via photos. Love your hair that way – Thank you for the pictures and God bless your sweet family!
Rebecca, Pineville, LA
Then God promises to love me all day,
sing songs all through the night!
My life is God’s prayer.
Psalm 42:8, The Message
christina, Plano TX, 2 Cor 12:9, HCSB–
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.”
Amber- Vienna, WV
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” Isaiah 55:8 (ESV)
Kellie – Mineola, TX
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 NIV
sonya, temple, tx
Psalm 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.(niv)
Carrie – Fort Mill, SC
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 NLT
Kristina ~ Frisco, TX.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6
Courtney, Roseland, VA
“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”
James 1:6, KJV
Shelley, Fort Worth
“Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today.”
Deuteronomy 6:4-6 (NLT)
Jill of Jacksonville says: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:2-4
“Oh Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.” Psalm 139:1-3 (NIV)
Lorie in Littleton, CO
Rejoice always,pray continually,give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Kristin, Fresno, CA: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NIV
Denise-Davis, IL.-“my son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments.”-Proverbs 3:1 (NASB)
Lisa, Tunkhannock, PA
Is. 50:7 NIV
Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced.
Therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.
Peggy, Indianapolis
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of
what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1 NIV